Chapter 3

On the spot

Or

Double the trouble

“Ember,” she answered in a dead voice.

Ember began to rub her arms, feeling both cold and vulnerable. She could not believe what had happened. She had fought tooth and nail to get away and failed. Yet something told her even if she had indeed succeeded getting away, the bond would still have been made.

A certain glow - though it had dulled to bare embers since she had rejected him - shone in his eyes. His lips tucked a bit. Like he wanted to make a big smile, but almost unsure how. One would think her name was a glorious secret that only he knew. Or maybe he was but satisfied over the fact that their bond had happened, and she could do jack shit about it. Trying to hide it behind an outer wall of friendliness and insecureness.

How was she to tell? She didn’t even know the freaking guy anyway.

She wanted to dislike him. No - she wanted to hate him. But he had done nothing but holding her back when she had tried to run… but perhaps that was enough for her to loathe him?

No?

She sighed. Ember already knew she had never been the type to loathe others without reason. And loath her mate? Her soulmate? Everything within her but her brain was fighting that particular negative emotion. Or perhaps her brain was too. With reasons and rationalities. Her own instincts had betrayed her. How was she supposed to look out for herself when so many things within her fought against her?

There was a hollowness inside her. A place she had never thought about or acknowledged. But the sudden experience of almost getting her soul's yearning, just for it to slip away, made her painfully aware of the emptiness. Of what she had done.

A dark little voice whispered how she truly felt. How a certain desire hoped he would turn out to be a despicable guy; just so her rejection was rightful, and the hollowness which followed was a necessity and one of those things you sometimes had to live with.

As Ember stood there, watching the other two werewolves joining them cautiously, she made a vow to herself. She was going to find a solution to this. She had to. She was not mate-material. Neither did she want to be a mate even if she had been.

The two males were trying not to look pointily at her - but neither could they stare down their Alpha. It was almost comical to see them fret over what to do with themselves. No wonder they didn’t know what to do. With what they had just witnessed and with an Alpha male finding a mate, he was bound to be protective and hostile towards other males.

But perhaps them fighting was what she needed. It would have been the perfect opportunity to run away. Though she wasn’t sure she would end up very far. Everything within her was in conflict over the two desires to both stay and run.

Not knowing what else to do at this moment, she found herself looking her supposedly mate. It wasn't that he wasn't pleasing to look at. Because he was, no doubt. To a point where it was a bit annoying actually. But handsomeness alone was never enough of a reason to mate with someone. If there was one thing she had learned in her life, it was that appearance could be the most deceiving little shit. A pretty lie cackling right in your face.

He could have a horrible personality and she would be stuck with him for the rest of her life. She had almost ended up in that very position before. Out of the frying pan and right into the effing blazing fire. A growl almost slipped out of her.

Ember blinked, bringing herself back to the present to find him fretting a bit with his jacket. Like he wanted to do something as he focused intensely. At her. She looked down at her arms, up at him, then his jacket. She dropped her arms, no longer rubbing warmth into her flesh. Then she sighed. Again.

"So, I gave you mine - what’s yours?" She asked. He looked confused for a moment, but at last he stopped fretting with his jacket. "Your name,” she clarified.

"Blake, my name is Blake Macbay.” Then, turning half around he indicated to the two others. “And these are my Betas; Jet and my brother Cailean." He pointed to each of them.

Though he sounded friendly enough, it was taunt as he introduced them. They nodded and smiled back a little uncertain. She only nodded at each introduction with a blank face.

He turned to her again, took a step closer to which she tensed up once more, not knowing what was in his mind. His body language was not threatening in any way though. He seemed more like he was trying to make as slow and small movements as possible. Presumably trying not to frighten her. She knew she was most likely not in danger. Not physically at least. Nevertheless, he was still a stranger and their situation was fidgety in a lot of different ways.

Taking ahold of her hands, he sought her eyes and spoke in a soft voice. His voice kept her from removing her hands from his and hiding them away.

"I know that you would rather be without, but I would like to take you back to my pack. And then we will figure things out there - if that’s alright?" She could have torn her hands free, snapped at him, anything to make him leave her alone. But the warmth that came from his touch was so damn calming and she was tired. So very tired from being on edge the whole day. Which just turned out to be bloody pointless anyway. But who would have thought that her soulmate would be here?

She looked at their hands. A small thought of how her hands in his, looked perfect swirled around in her subconscious. Not that she was going to pay it any heed, mind you.

He gave her a small squeeze when she didn't react. The blue eyes looked up and found his golden ones, and she found herself nodding. Not having anything more to give, she gave in. His smile was beaming, and she thought she was in trouble. Big trouble.

They collected her things (putting her camera inside her backpack), and Jet was to drive her old deathtrap of a car. Ember sat in the back seat of Blake's Land Rover while he drove - Cailean sat beside him. Turning to the window, she first had the intention of lying her forehead against the glass. But the bumping and rustling of the car were more likely to give her a headache. Something she didn’t need. Instead she leaned back. She looked as the surroundings passed by in a blur. Her eyes half lidded as sleep sneaked closer upon her. She turned her head a little and gazed at her supposed mate and his beta-brother.

Definitely brothers she absentminded noticed. They looked very alike. Cailean had something to his eyes that made him seem like a rock in a stormy ocean; steadfast no matter of the powers crushing against it. Though something in her warned her not to take it likely. Fire ran below the surface. Much like his brother. The Alpha's golden eyes were pretty much igniting when he saw her.

The soul was a mysterious thing. If Ember didn’t know better, it almost seemed like her wolf soul was growling peacefully. A steady rhythm that vibrated in her chest. Whether she wanted it or not, calm wrapped around her like a blanket. She certainly hadn't tried that before. It was all she could do to keep yet another sigh from passing through her lips. It appeared she did nothing but sigh.

Ember glanced one last time at Blake. No matter what he said, she knew she wanted anything but being a mate. Acknowledging the reason as to why, was something for another day. There was always a day tomorrow, or the day after that, or maybe not at all. Because why did she need to look for the reason why she wanted nothing to do with the position of mate? - and especially an Alpha-mate.

It didn't surprise Ember that the den of the pack was located outside the town. Hidden well within the forest. She followed the trees with her eyes as they drove past and slowly but surely the greenery began to grow denser. She knew soon she would meet his pack. A bittersweet whisper kept on and on. Her fate would be decided then. No way out. Trapped. It sent a cold shiver down her back. She didn't feel ready to meet a whole unknown pack. A pack was a closed unit and she, a stranger, was not necessarily welcomed by the others. Even if she was their Alpha's so-called true mate.

The Land Rover began shaking along the road, now no longer of old asphalt. That was when she felt an intense sensation rushing through her body. Searching for the source, she found Blake's gaze on her through the rearview mirror. She held it for a time before he needed to focus on the road again.

Just in time.

Holding the Alpha's gaze was never easy. It may not have been in hostility, but even so. The power behind was strong. Something she reacted to on a spiritual level. Whether she liked it or not.

It didn't take long before they arrived in a valley. Cottages graced the area. The further they went into the valley, the closer the cottages were built to each other. Still, with a lot of space for gardens and what seemed like a common playground in the middle. There were no fences around the grounds; werewolves knew when their territory ended and another began. Of course, the whole region had one single owner. The Alpha. But the more human part of them needed something that they could call theirs. The same with the more opinionated males. So this was one way to do it and keep everyone from each other's throats and not get daily challengers.

A few sorry snowmen stood by the side of the small road and waved to whoever came past with broken thin branches. One of them had a wary smile and the other was missing an eye. The carrot noses had bite marks. This pack was graced by pups, Ember concluded by the hurt carrots.

As they passed along, Ember also noticed those who were out and about stopped whatever they were doing. They waved hello or gave respectful nods when they saw Blake. Whether she wanted or not, she could not deny the simple fact; their actions spoke louder than words. Blake was well loved and respected. While she was not happy about the situation itself, she could appreciate the peace emanating from the pack.

It didn’t take long, and Ember felt rather than saw at first, that more than one had seen her - and their eyes went huge. Talk would be all over this little community in no time. Ember almost had to bite her own cheek to stop herself from glaring at the strangers and stare at them in the eyes. Such an act was a challenge and Ember knew it.

But the sudden stares crawled all over her skin. She had been trying for a long time to keep this part of her dormant. She needed no trouble and challenging a number of unknown wolves was a perfect way of starting trouble.

And if there was one thing Ember was, that would be in enough trouble - without adding the new wolves and their certain displeasure. She kept her hands on her thighs, were they kept clenching and then forced to relax. Just to repeat it all over again. She swallowed as her mouth began to dry and kept a hard stare straight ahead of her. All to stop herself from sending that one mistake of a challenge.

Calm down Ember, you can do this - you have to do this.

Closing her eyes, Ember took a deep breath in, out, repeat. Slowly she found herself calming down. She rubbed her hands against her jeans. When she opened her eyes, she found herself eye to eye with grey. She blinked. Collecting herself she barely had time to register the small, almost nonexistent, knowing smile gracing Cailean’s lips, before he turned around once more. She wasn’t sure what it meant, and not feeling like asking what the heck, she kept her silence.

As they got closer to what seemed to be a big hill, she saw what was no doubt the Alpha's den. It was much bigger than the rest of the cottages and placed to overlook the whole area. She knew it was big because it had to be able to hold the whole pack at meetings and other gatherings. That was the way she was used to anyway. Yet it did not stand out she mused. It wasn’t like it was a modern designed mansion. Screaming riches and stuck up nosed people who drank champagne in crystal glasses with their morning tea, because they could.

The den of the Alpha simply seemed to fit into the area and the nature around it. More like an extension of what was already there. It had charm, Ember had to admit.

Blake had hardly turned the key to shut the engine off, before somebody was already ready to meet them at the door of the den. An older woman, by the looks of it. Her hair was neat and in a delicate braid. Her dark hair had greying streaks, the flow almost like veins in marble. Her expression was stern and her eyes light grey. Cailean’s grey.

Ember hadn't even left the car and already it reeked of Alphas. The lady before her was definitely an Alpha. But for her to have greying streaks and the touch of age, she had to be quite old - since the lifespan of a werewolf could easily be trice that of the average human being, and longer still. It rarely happened in the old times where violence often was a way to settle disputes. And fights for the scarce females were everlasting and so on.

Females were still far inbetween. Making the search itself for one's soulmate not very coveted. If a male indeed did come about an unmated female, he would most likely use his time trying to gain her favor. Such was the times now. Taking and (perhaps) asking later was now frowned upon.

The car door opened and Ember jumped out. The intense stare from the woman was instant - as Ember knew it would be. Still, Ember kept her peace and stood with an air of indifference, though it required some willpower. No matter how short a time she stayed, she needed to show that she was no pushover. She needed to establish her claim of right and rank. A battle already begun the moment she got into that car.

Jet had parked besides Blake and he took a position next to Ember. She didn't know if it was because he tried to give her some sort of support or to keep her from running. Either way, Ember didn't think too much about it.

Eyeing him up, she saw he had her backpack in hand. Deciding that she would much rather carry her own stuff, she asked for it by holding out her hand and indicated towards her things. But he just smiled and kept holding onto them. And if it wasn't because it would seem weird to break into whistling, he probably would so.

Jerk.

"Mother." Blake's voice broke through Ember's annoyance. She eyed the little family greet each other with warmth.

"My boys," their mother said with an approving voice as she opened her arms to take each of them in a hug. It was not what Ember had expected to happen at first glance, but the stern glint in her eyes had soften upon looking at her so-called boys. She smiled at them and then simply and elegantly ignored Ember completely and looked at Jet.

Not one to lose her composure often, Ember would probably have dropped her jaw in surprise of how smoothly this woman executed the movement. A soft glide that suggested that not even Ember’s red hair stood out and she was but thin air. Ember had to give her credit. Perhaps she could learn that, she pondered.

"Mrs. Macbay," Jet greeted the approaching woman who embraced him. Then her otherwise warm features turned stern.

"How many times must I tell you to call me Morgana?" Jet merely shrugged with a sheepish smile.

“At least one more time I’m afraid,” he grinned. Mrs. Macbay’s was no doubting fighting a smile with how her lips pressed together. And the otherwise barely there crow’s feet at her eyes were slightly more pronounced. She gave him a hard pat on his arm, then she turned.

Ember knew it was her turn and she was not wrong when she had thought she hardly would get a warm greeting. Within good reasons of course. Ember felt how her back immediately got straighter as Mrs. Macbay locked eyes on her.

"And who, pray tell, are you?" It wasn't that her tone had gone cold per say, but it wasn't exactly a warm and welcoming voice. Ember was about to answer when Blake stepped in. She glared at him when he introduced her. She had a voice, thank you very much!

"Mother, this is Ember. She is my mate." A gasp escaped from his mother.

"I am not your mate!" Ember interrupted with an imperative tone.

Mrs. Macbay turned sharply to her son. "What does that mean?" she asked rather perplexed. The voice however was not to be mistaken. The quality of that scary tone only made Ember happy to not be the receiver. Blake send an admonishing glare at Ember, before trying to calm his mother down. Not that Ember much cared. He could glare all he wanted.

"She is, mother. She is my soulmate." That was as truthful a statement as the sun was a fire star. Something Ember couldn't deny. His mother's sudden radiation of surprise but also delight, alarmed Ember. Mrs. Macbay's slender hands pressed against her own cheeks. But she did not scream or jump in joy. She kept her dignity. Ember felt she completely lost the upper hand in the situation.

"Excuse me, but I am not your son's mate. Blake, I am not your mate and I told you this when we met!" Ember tried going for a polite but firm tone of voice, but felt how panic spread through her. This was not going her way at all.

"I don't understand," his mother said, while looking between the two in question. In the end she rested her gaze on Ember. "You should both know you are mates if you have experienced the recognition. I mean, knowing each other soul names is not something that happens without you knowing it." Then she lowered her voice as if talking to herself, looking at neither of them. “Actually, I’m even more surprised you got home so quick.”

“Mother!”

Mrs. Macbay grey eyes turned to steel, staring down Blake. Blake held her stare for a bit. Then an inner turmoil began slowly but surely appearing on his face. His lips pressed together as a half-hearted frown tried to fasten on his face. In the end he gave up with a pronounced sigh and looked away. A snicker was heard from one of the other two males. Then Mrs. Macbay turned once more to Ember, staring inquiringly at her.

Suddenly feeling every eye on her, Ember felt very small and put very much on the spot. Her mouth dried at least a second time that day. It was a fight to keep herself from pouring out her stress to the other wolves.

How in the world could she know so many words and now not a single one of those occurred to her? She was but opening and closing her mouth like a fish out of water. Without thinking she locked eyes with Blake. In the next instant she wished she hadn't.

The broken and dimmed light in his eyes almost made her legs give in. Breathless by the pain in him, which she could feel in vague waves inside her through their new connection. She began to try and make a safe route of the deep water she had placed herself in. The atmosphere had turned tense and crackling around them. Ember came up with exactly zero words to say.

"Please. Somebody explain to me what has happened," said the old female softly. Alternating looks between the two of them.

"I will talk to you later, mother. Ember, follow me. Let me show you where you are going to stay," Blake said, no feelings leaking through. His mother looked shaken by the tone. Blake didn't wait though and began to walk towards the front door, leaving his mother and Betas behind. Ember excused herself in a very small voice and followed.

"By the name of Fenris, what has happened!" Mrs. Macbay asked the two Betas standing on each side of her. Watching the departing mates that had yet to happen, in distress. They knew their Alpha hurt - and there was nothing they could do about it.

"It's going to be okay, mother," Cailean tried to reassure her while placing a hand on her shoulder.