Saved by the Alpha Wolves Read online

  Crossed arms and a smirk. A sexy smirk. A smirk I wanted to scratch, or swat off his face, greeted me. He was relaxed, carefree, and testosterone. My hormones were going crazy with all the stimulation bombarding my body.

  I decided there was no way I would like this one. Regardless of the fact that I had not been comfortable with Blake's teasing, I had known that it was only that — playful teasing. But this one was so intense, while also sounding slightly pissed about having to rescue a clueless female.

  "Sorry?" I asked, and took a sharp intake of breath when he stepped closer to the fire. Blonde hair, electric blue eyes, firmly set jaw in a perfect chisel stared back at me. He was even better looking up close.

  "I said, it was quite stupid of you to take that risk. The wise thing to have done would have been to run away. You are smaller, faster, you could have easily outrun them."

  I didn't like the way he was sounding one bit. It was easy to see that he was Alpha, I could smell the scent rolling off him. Still. He didn't have to be an asshole. I suddenly liked Blake way better.

  "I thought of that. Then I realized that I would be running on unknown grounds with no sense of direction. For all I knew, there could been other bears around and by the time I had run into them, I would have expended needed energy, running. My best option was to stand and fight my known enemy."

  He shrugged and I felt my cheeks heat up.

  "She does have a point, Jake." Oh. So, his name is Jake. I could think of a number of things it rhymed with. Toothache. Fake. Mistake. Snake. Ache. Stake… to stab him with. I snickered.

  Choosing to ignore the annoying Alpha, I focused on the last guy, who had not yet spoken. Stepping closer, he reached out and I accepted the handshake. His was a more quiet attraction. At least, he was able to hold my gaze and acknowledge it. Really, what is wrong with me? It's not like I'm in heat. How can I possibly be attracted to four guys at the same time?

  I was pulled out from my thoughts when he said, "Tristan." I nodded, as I slipped my hand from his warm, tender grasp.

  "What Jake should have asked was, why you were all alone out here in the woods? Judging from the way you took on those bears, and your wolf size, you are probably a soldier. Although, the nearest pack is about three miles away, so you couldn't have been on patrol. On a journey?"

  I sighed as I went over to the log of wood to sit down, suddenly tired.

  "I wish. I was in a pack but it is, 'mating season in Black Mountain.' As it happens, I am an unmated female, so I am pack-less. I was hoping to spend the night here, and try looking for a pack that wouldn't mind an unmated female in mating season. Unfortunately, I got visitors," I said, with a slight sigh and half smile. Slightly embarrassed by being booted out of the pack. They all exchanged glances between each other, then stared at Jake.

  "You're from Black Mountain?" Hunter asked, and I nodded.

  "That's right."

  "But, that's like one of the biggest packs around this side of the country," Tristan cut in.

  I shrugged, like it wasn't a biggie. "Well, you know what they say. Big pack, big troubles." There was silence again, and I knew they were communicating. It was the mind link thing pack mates have with each other. It was apparently a short conversation because a few minutes later, Blake spoke again.

  "Okay, Soldier. 3 votes to 1 says you can come back with us to our pack house and spend the night. We have beds. We have warmth, and we have food. I'm sure Hunter could also find something for your injuries to heal faster. That sound good to you?"

  I couldn't believe my ears. Just who are these guys? My night kept getting better and better.

  "It sounds great," I said, not bothering to hide my excitement.

  From all that had happened, I could tell I would be safe with them anyway. Besides, what did I have to lose? Nothing. I really would prefer a nice soft bed to a cold, hard ground. The possibility of the bears having gone for reinforcement, also enhanced my enthusiasm to be in a warm house.

  "All right. Let's get going then." Blake offered his arm and I took it, rising. I heard Jake scoff, and could not hold back a roll of my eyes. Looking up at Blake, I whispered, "Let me guess. Jerkhead was the 1 vote?" Blake laughed quietly at that and I found myself smiling. It was a sweet, rich, sound.

  "Wow. You hit the bull's eye. How did you guess? I can't say he'd care for the nick though."

  "It does have a ring to it, doesn't it? Jake... Jerk. Same same." I heard a low growl and snickered, while Blake laughed again. No doubt Jerkhead had heard me. I'd been counting on it. One point for Brianna! Ignoring him, I continued.

  "Besides, it's not that hard to figure out. I'm kinda smart but one doesn't have to be a genius to know that Jerkhead has got something up his ass where I'm concerned." The growl came louder this time, and I startled as he suddenly turned to look at me, glowing red eyes. Yeah. Like an Alpha's first stage of shift is supposed to scare me. Purposefully ignoring him, I turned to Blake.

  "So, what's the name of your pack?"

  "Crescent Moon."

  "Crescent Moon? I've never heard of it."

  "Yeah. About that. It's kinda new. Not to worry. I'll fill you in."

  "People don't know about us yet for a reason. For all we know, she could be a spy. Until we confirm she's not, it's best you tell her nothing." Guess who that was... Yup, you are right. Gosh, what a jerk. Why did he have to go and be so fine, though? Deciding I was done giving him any attention that night, I simply said, "Huh." I would rather focus on Blake, and the sweet tingles our body contact was giving me.

  Chapter Three

  It was quite a pleasant walk to their pack house, which happened to be not too far away. Tristan and Hunter had joined our discussion, and we engaged in easy camaraderie as we trudged on. Only Mr. stick-up-his-ass seemed uninterested in warming up to me, and insisted on trudging ahead of all of us. As we stepped into the large clearing, I could see two cabins, which looked newly built, even in the dark.

  Blake had not been kidding when he said they were a newly formed pack. But why had these four guys broken out from their pack — or packs, and decided to find new ones? Deciding that would be a question for later, I tucked it away and let them lead me to the cabin.

  "Welcome to our humble abode. Jake and I stay here, while Tristan and Hunter occupy the other cabin. There are a couple extra rooms in each cabin, so you are free to stay in either one. As the pack grows, this one will probably become the Alpha's personal lodge, and his Luna, of course, if he ever decides to take a mate. Considering how brutish he can be, well..."

  I chuckled, and Blake shared a conspiratory smile before continuing. "More cabins will be built and this place will be packed in no time."

  I nodded as I took in the cabin. There were comfortable seats in the living room, a fireplace, a few doors leading to several other rooms, and a staircase leading to an upper space. Jake had gone to it when we had arrived, but I had no doubt he was tuned in to everything being said.

  "It's lovely. I can see it swimming with so many more people and activities already." Blake winked at me then looked at Hunter, who was setting up a fire.

  "She's a smart one. I like her." It warmed my insides hearing that because it turned out I liked Blake, too. I now had no doubt whatsoever that our first conversation had only been him ribbing me, what I was quickly figuring out to be Blake style. Even his Alpha didn't get a break.

  After setting the fire, Hunter, who had barely established eye contact with me after that handshake, smiled my way and said something about going to get dinner ready. I would have been surprised, but then, if they had decided to branch out in their own pack, it was only normal they had sufficient skills to feed themselves.

  Tristan, who had also left the room earlier came back with some bottles in his hands.

  "What are those?" I asked, as he reached me.

  "Healing salve. And some first aid treatment to clean up what's left of your wound. I saw you holding your side as we walked. If it's still hurting, it's gotta be n
asty." I looked into his beautiful, deep brown eyes and felt mesmerized. He looked and sounded so serious, and I wondered if he was always like that. I also mentally noted that he was thoughtful and right. My side still hurt.

  "Thanks," I muttered, as I sat down on one of the chairs. "So, what are you? The pack's healer or something? I thought those were usually women." I was teasing and Mr. Serious didn't even crack a smile. Huh.

  "True. But I'm not really the healer per se. My mother was my pack's healer. I learned some medicine from her and I think I got some healing gift, too. Not really much but just effects of having her blood running through my veins, I guess." He shrugged and I nodded.

  Without waiting for him to ask, I lifted up my blouse and winced as he touched it.

  "I'm sorry. Those bears really did a nasty one on you, didn't they?"

  "I guess," I mumbled. I bent my head and checked out the wound, which I could see now in the bright fluorescent light. It was deep but was healing at a pretty good rate, for a shifter. I could only imagine how bad it had been before.

  "This is gonna sting," Tristan said in that serious tone, as he bent the bottle and saturated a cotton ball with liquid from one of the bottles.

  "Need me to hold your hand, wee damsel? I'm quite the gentleman," Blake said, as he sat beside me. I felt the sofa deepen with his weight and suddenly became overwhelmed by the enormous manliness around me. Struggling to keep my focus, voice steady, and head from feeling flustered, I responded, "Gee, thanks. But I'm good. I may be in distress, but that doesn't make me a wee damsel. I can handle a little sting." Returning my attention to Tristan. "Hit me." And he did.

  Little sting my ass, it took great willpower and pride not to cry out. Gritting my teeth, I held back the groan that had almost slipped out. It fucking hurt like hell. As if sensing my pain, Blake snickered and I stared daggers at him, wanting to gift his perfect face with a scratch. The minute Tristan stopped cleaning my injury with that dreadful solution, I demanded, "What the hell was that?"

  He snickered, and replied, "Antiseptic to disinfect the wound, but it's more potent than what humans usually use."

  "You could have given me a little warning there, ya know?" I said, my voice rising.

  Tristan looked confused as he deadpanned. "I did."

  "Yeah, yeah. You said it'd sting, not feel like fire eating away at my skin. Big difference," I shot back.

  "I'm sorry." He looked genuinely ashamed of causing any discomfort.

  "Awww. Damsel ain't so badass now, is she?"

  A roll of my eyes, as I scoffed. "Shut up, Blake."

  He laughed as he stood up, then said, "I'll go check on Hunter, see if he needs my help since you clearly don't." And with a wink that sent a shiver down my spine, he strolled away.

  "This will feel much better. I promise," Tristan said, drawing my attention back to him. I saw him scoop out what I figured was the healing salve, and watched as he started rubbing it gently against my affected side. I let out a moan from its cooling touch and to be honest, also from the friction his hand working against my flesh.

  If he heard or noticed anything, he didn't say because he kept at what he was doing, with the intensity of a cardiologist performing an open heart surgery. A comforting silence, except for the tension in the air, remained as he continued his ministrations. Soon enough, he was done and he expertly bandaged me up. I'd never felt more grateful in my life than I did at that moment. These guys were simply the best.

  "There. All done," he said, rising up.

  "Thank you. It feels better already."

  "You are welcome." Then as if struck by a thought, he frowned.

  "What is it?"

  He ran his hands through his wavy brown hair, and I thought it was cute as he scratched.

  "I should have asked if you'd like a bath. Of course you would, after traveling for hours. Now I've gone and bandaged you up. I feel stupid."

  He really is cute. Smiling, I replied, "Nah. It's fine. Really. Yes. I would love to have a bath, but I wouldn't have had much luck with that either with an open injury. Tell you what, get me a bowl of water and a towel, and I'll do just fine."

  He smiled slightly then, his lips curving upwards and he looked more handsome. Who knew that was possible?

  "Sounds good to me. You should be as good as new tomorrow. Then you should be able to have your bath.” He handed me a smaller bottle. “Here. Have this. You can drink it up. It will help restore your strength."

  I nodded as I took the bottle he held out. Not wanting to drag it out, I opened the bottle and drank its contents down in one gulp. He was right. It didn't taste bitter. Just, unique.

  "Thank you, Tristan. Really." That earned me another smile, and I felt as though I had hit jackpot.

  "You're welcome, Brianna. I'll just go put this back." As he walked away, the smell of sea suddenly rescinding in the room, I realized that his scent had been overwhelming my senses this whole time. Now, I could smell the delicious aroma of dinner and my stomach rumbled louder. However, one thought remained on my mind. If Tristan's scent was now distinct, it meant the others would be, too.

  As if wanting to confirm my thoughts, the smell of woods and trees hit me as Jake came down the stairs. He looked like he had taken a shower and changed into much more comfortable clothes.

  "I already prepared a room for you. I got your bowl and towel ready as you asked, and also a bar of soap and shampoo... In case, you know, you want to do something about that hair." I knew he had been listening in. If I was white, my cheeks would probably be pink from embarrassment. Thank god for melanin. Like he had to rub it in my face that I looked like hell. Didn't mean I couldn't appreciate the thought.

  "Thanks. I didn't peg you for the shampoo type though. I figured you'd be the man in the relationship. I was obviously wrong." It took a few seconds for him to get it, and his blue eyes widened in amusement. Expecting a growl, bite back, or to be plainly ignored, I was quite surprised when he burst into laughter instead.

  If I had thought Blake had a beautiful laugh, then Jake's had been specially harmonized by the goddess herself. It sounded like an amazing symphony. The kind you would want to put on replay and listen to over and over again. Huh. Damn it. Why couldn’t I just think straight around these guys? My stomach rumbled. It must be hunger, the eating kind, messing with my senses.

  "I assure you, Brianna. I am very straight." The way he held my gaze as he said it sent shivers down my spine — in a good way. It felt like he was passing a sexual message across— but of course, he was.

  "My sister... She comes around sometimes. Felt it would be nice to keep some of these things here so she wouldn't have to drag them down all the time."

  He has a sister. Nice.

  "And dinner isss served. Get readyyy to have your taste budsss blown away, boo." I looked up at Blake as he came in with a tray in his hands. Finally getting to where I was, he pulled a stool forward with his left foot and placed the tray on it, right in front of me.

  "One bowl of caribou stew to go, and there is more where that came from, in case you just can't get enough."

  I smirked at the proud smile on his face, wanting to laugh at how happy he looked. I decided to tease him, instead. "Yeah. If I don't gag. I'm sure it's because I'm too hungry to reject any kind of food right now. Regardless of how bad it may be."

  "Words to take back, I assure you. I promise to make you do just that."

  Suddenly feeling like a teenager, I stuck my tongue out at him, and chuckled when he narrowed his eyes to slits in return.

  As he turned to go back into the kitchen, Jake called out, "Get me my food, Blake." Blake did not miss a beat. Flipping him off, he replied, "Find your way to the kitchen or starve. You may be Alpha, but that don't make me your servant."

  Jake had a cocky grin on his face as he stood up to go after Blake, and I sat there, stupefied, wondering if there was any side to this guy that wasn't gorgeous.

  Soon enough, everyone was seated in the living area, digging into
bowls of caribou, which was super delicious. I had groaned loudly as the warm concoction crossed my lips. I opened my eyes and found all the guys staring at me intently as I swallowed my bite. I looked back down at my food, desire running through me.

  Apparently, Blake hadn't been bragging, and by the time I asked for my third serving, I had taken back my words countless times. At least, he had been noble enough to admit that Hunter had done all the work. Hunter had just smiled shyly, still avoiding my gaze as he acknowledged my thanks. So cute. They were all so cute. I stood up after I was done, offering to help wash up but they adamantly refused, insisting I go clean myself up instead. Left with no choice, I did just that.

  I almost cringed when I looked at myself in the mirror. I looked horrible. I had bruises all over my face, and arms and my hair were a mess — like I had been attacked by wild animals. Well. Actually. I had been. They were lucky I looked as good as I did. I snickered to myself.

  I carefully slipped out of my clothes, and walked into the bathroom, focused on getting myself clean. Turned on the shower, and within a minute, slid my bruised and batter body under the hot water, and dropped my head back, groaning as the heat from the water soothed my skin, my bones, and my body. It was heaven. I took my sweet time, making sure I thoroughly scrubbed every inch I could reach.

  As I poured a drop of shampoo into my palm, and rubbed my fingers through my hair, I imagined another pair of hands massaging my scalp. What was even more disturbing, I realized I did not mind the thought of his hands, or the hands of any of the four guys. Great. Just great. I am a horned up, unmated, slut.

  By the time I was done, I felt so clean and smelled so fresh. Thankful for Jake's sister’s shampoo. When I slipped out of the bathroom, I noticed the clothes I had taken off had been replaced by a clean pile of clothes. I only had to sniff to know who it was. Woods and trees. He sure seemed to be making sure I had all I need, for someone who seemed like he didn't like me.

  I pulled the t-shirt over my head. The soft material covered my body down to my thighs, and felt like hands were touching me all over, heightening my senses. I headed back down to the main level, found they were still awake and in the living room, talking in hushed tones. Well-fed, cleaned, and healing at a fast pace. Thought I would go back down and say thank you again, and goodnight.