A Wolf Among Dragons

            Nicole watched the scenery pass out the window of Austin’s truck as they crossed borders. Every once in a while, she looked in the side mirror and saw the car carrying some of her things and her omegas. She thought of the truck she now sat in. Austin drove a Chevy Silverado that had a lift kit under it so big that he had to lift a ways to get her in it. It was a nice truck with customs seats, dashboard, and radio system with customized speakers. She watched the territories change as she realized that she had never been outside wolf country. She had moved once before, but only from the small pack she was born in to the wolf capitol, then to the palace. Austin enjoyed watching her face as they passed everything.

“Have you never been outside your borders?”

“The Gathering of Leaders. I didn’t think it counts since it was just over the border.”

“I’ll show you the world if you’ll allow me too.”

“That sounds perfect.”

Even though he knew it would be the next day until the reached home, he didn’t mind the drive this time; he had great company. As he thought about her, he started feeling something he had never experienced before; he felt at peace. For the first time since he shifted, his dragon was still and calm. He thought it strange that Nicole didn’t have to do anything but sit there next to him. She was having such an impact on him and his dragon and she was oblivious to it. He wondered what he was doing for her and her wolf. He remembered her saying that since she met him, she and her wolf had reconnected; this made him happy.

As Nicole sat there, she felt her wolf stretch and she smiled to herself knowing that she and her wolf were reconnected. Austin had woken up the wolf when he found her, and she couldn’t be more grateful. The more she felt the wolf stir, the more she felt whole and complete. It was even more true now that she had found her mate. She watched with wonderment as the forest disappeared to dirt and rock and then gave way to a mountain. They started up the mountain as the sun had shown itself in the morning. She was about to see Dragons’ Cove for herself, but as they drove higher, she became more concerned.

Austin could tell by her movements that she had tensed up. She told him that she had never been outside wolf territory, but he was now realizing just how little of the world she actually knew. He knew she had many questions and he made himself a vow that he would answer her every question honestly. For now, he thought it best to ease her mind a bit.

“We are almost there, my love.”

“Dragons’ Cove?”

“Yes.”

She nodded and stared at the window and waited to see anything. He could tell she was still worried and hoped that showing her around would help her some. After all, she would get to see what no outside had ever seen before. As the neared, he grabbed her hand and gave her a reassuring squeeze.

Nicole felt him squeeze her hand and she gave him a half smile. She was more worried that she thought. Even though her mate was the Alfa of Dragons, she was still going to be among dragons. When they came to the cave entrance, she heard him laugh at her response to seeing the biggest set of doors ever made. The doors opened and revealed the most futuristic looking city she had ever seen. To her, it looked like something from a movie. All she could see was tall buildings that almost touched the clouds. She thought perfect for being a dragon city. She saw people and dragons alike dip their heads in a sign of respect as they knew their alfa was home. Even though it was a major city with a large population, it was very clean. She looked over it him with a question in her eyes as they drove out of the city and the land gave way to rolling hills and forests. He smiled as he knew her lingering question was answered.

Austin had decided before they left that it would probably be best to for them to stay at his mother’s cabin while she got settled in. It was secluded and near the woods where she could run. He had imagined that she hadn’t done that in a few years. As they pulled up, he saw her reaction to the cabin, and he knew she liked it and was very pleased with himself.

Austin took her out of the truck, and she walked up to the house as he began to unload the truck. She walked up and through the redwood double doors. Her eyes caught the grand buck-antler chandelier that hung in the center of the great room. Walking in a little further, she saw the massive fireplace that was made out of huge river-stones that reminded her of the river she used to swim in. There was an L-shaped sectional that sat directly in front of the fireplace and three recliners on each side of the large sectional. She glanced upward to see three floors above her. Her omegas came in carrying items and then She saw Austin come through.

“I am so sorry I can’t give you a tour myself, my love, but there are things back in the city that require my attention.”

“It’s okay. I know all too well of an alfa’s duties.”

“I suppose you do. I won’t be gone too long, but in the meantime, please take your time and explore the house. It is yours now, after all.”

He hugged her and kissed her on her forehead and was gone before she knew it. After he left, she decided she would explore the house to her hearts content. Nicole walked through the great room and into the kitchens. It was bigger than the room she just left. There were two islands in the center of the kitchen. One of them had a raised bar behind it with chairs up against it. To the side, next to a big bay window, there was a small breakfast nook. There was a double doored fridge that blended in with cabinets. Next to it was a doubled doored freezer that was almost as big as the fridge that also blended in with cabinets. Speaking of the cabinets, there were more than any one kitchen should have and more there was more counter top space to host a party or two. Next to the breakfast nook, there was a fully functional coffee bar that she intended on making use of. She made herself a strong cup and continued her self-guided tour. There was a door on the opposite side of the kitchen that led to huge dinning room that was occupied by a table meant for sixteen people that was set next to another river-stone fireplace and French doors that led to a balcony. The balcony over looked a small garden. Her eye caught the fountain and the gazebo towards the back. She went down and walked along the stone walkway that led to the fountain and then to the gazebo. The gazebo was unclosed, and she thought to herself that this was where she would keep changes of clothes for her runs since it was close to the forest. Nicole walked back into the house through the dinning room and continued to explore. She walked down the small hallway on the first floor and came to a bathroom. It was only a half bath, but it was big enough to fit a tub. Continuing down the hall, she came across two full baths and four rooms that were a decent size with full beds, dressers, and big closets. She figured her omegas to use two of these rooms. At the back of the hall, there were stairs leading up to the second floor. The wooden railing was smooth and glossy beneath her palm. The steps and railing were both made out of polished oakwood and the steps were perfectly apart, which made the climb up the twelve steps easy. On the second floor, she saw three bedrooms set up much like the four downstairs. These rooms were bigger, however, and had two full size beds in each of them. She figured these were for the warriors or even some guests. There was two full sized bathrooms on this floor and in between these bathrooms, there was a full sized and fully functional gym. On one side of the hall, there was a small, but fully functional kitchen. At the back of the hall, there was a massive laundry room and past that was another set of stairs. There was only eight steps that led to the third floor and she noticed the big bay window and the window seat under it. She noticed that this floor only two rooms. These rooms were far bigger than all the others and even had private bathrooms. She figured these master suits were for the second and third in command. There was a full kitchen on one side of the hall and on the other, a gym that also had a full sparring ring in it. When she reached the window, there was another door. She was curious enough and opened it and found a small staircase that led to another door. The door opened up to another full-sized kitchen with a small table in it. She opened the door at the back of the kitchen and found the biggest room she had ever seen. In the center, there was a massive, four poster king sized bed that sat directly in front of a fireplace the size of the one in the great room with a large flat screen tv on the mantle and a PlayStation and Xbox sitting next to the tv. To the side of the room, there was two French doors that led to a massive balcony that overlooked the entire property. She laughed to herself thinking that it was the biggest balcony she had ever seen, then she remembered it was big enough for a dragon to land on. She shook her head and walked back into the room. She saw a pair of doors on the far side and discovered the biggest walk-in closet that a person could own. She thought it curious that only one side of this closet was occupied, but she already figured that this was Austin’s room. She walked to the last door in the room and found a bathroom bigger than the closet. There was a huge shower that had a bath tub in it. The shower and tub were separate but shared the same space. There was a double vanity, a makeup counter, and chairs in the bathroom. There was a small linen closet for rugs and towels and other things as such. Even though it was a cabin and primarily men lived here, she couldn’t help but notice it was built for or by a woman. She walked back into the room and leaned up against the wall to get a view of it all. That’s when she felt a small draft hit her back. She pushed up against the wall and it opened. It revealed a small hallway that led to a small room that looked like it used to be a bedroom but was converted into a library. It had a small window and a small fireplace and chairs comfy enough to read all night in. There were a few things on the shelves, and she wondered what Austin would think if she filled them. After her tour, she walked back don to the first floor and saw the omegas putting everything in its place. She walked outside and saw Austin’s truck pulling up to the house. He smiled when he got out and saw her. He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her. She felt a warmth spread over her as he held her. When he let her go, she felt kind of cold and hoped she felt this way because they were mates. He looked down at her and gazed into those big brown eyes before asking her how she liked the house.

“Sorry it took me so long. I didn’t expect to be gone for three hours.”

“It’s okay. I just now finished exploring the house.”

“How did you like it?”

“Its amazing and its so beautiful. I can’t help but feel that it was either built by a woman or for a woman, though.”

“It was it was built for my mother. She helped design it. My father built it when she found out she was pregnant with me. When she died, I stayed out here a lot and put my own touches to it. This was her favorite place to be.”

“I’m curious, if your mother was a dragon, why did she prefer it out here rather than the city?”

“My father stayed in the city. They weren’t mates. It was an arranged marriage.”

“My father mentioned something like that.”

“She didn’t find her mate until after she had me. She even had a hidden room built for him.”

“The one that’s now a library?”

“I’m surprised you found it. Most cant.”

“It was by accident.”

“Its okay. Anyway, my father also found his mate. Unfortunately, my father is an evil man. My mother’s mate, Shane, had bested my father in a fight for alfa in order to be with my mother. When the witches came again, my father struck a deal with them. He turned Shane over to them along with his mate, who was pregnant.”

“That’s terrible. How could he do that?”

“I told you, he is an evil man. After my mother found out what he had done, she couldn’t handle his loss and killed herself. I took off and vowed not to return until I could beat him. I did and now I’m alfa and I swear to you as I’ve sworn to myself that I will never be anything like my father. I’ll never let harm come to you by my hand or anyone else’s.”

“I believe you and I trust you.”

“Thank you.”

“This place is wonderful.”

“I thought you would probably be more comfortable out here than the city. Gives your wolf room to run.”

“I do like it out here. It’s incredible.”

“So, I hear that your mother is a part of the coven that took Shane.”

“Yes, but not willingly. She left years ago and went into hiding. That’s when she met my father and they discovered they were mates. The wolves kept her hidden and even more so when my father became alfa and then after I was born. They came and found her, though. They gave her a choice, go back with them or they were going to kill me.”

“I see why she went.”

“I haven’t seen or heard from her since.”

“What happened to your wolf?”

“When my father went to challenge for the right to be the Immortal Alfa, the son of a rival alfa wanted revenge after my father bested his. He beat me to a point where my wolf went silent. Until the night of the gathering, I hadn’t felt her since.”

“I’m glad I could reconnect you two.”

“Its amazing to be able to feel her again.”

They walked inside while still talking and trying to get to know each other. They watched as the omegas straightened everything and put them into place. She talked to him about using the gazebo for clothes and about more books in the library. He agreed to both things and then she wondered something.

“Do you mind if I go for a run. I haven’t for a while.”

“Absolutely. Would you mind if I fly above you?”

“That would interesting, but yes.”

They went out and turned their backs to each other and shifted. When Austin turned and saw her white coat, he was taken aback. Its not what he expected from her. Nicole was surprised by his large frame and black coloring. She felt so free as her wolf once again that she couldn’t help but run. Aurora ran until she couldn’t no more, only pausing a bit t make sure Drake still soared above her. Drake went an intense urge to swoop down and lift her into the air, but he resisted the urge since she was able to be free again.

They were in their animal forms for most of the afternoon. Once the sun was going down, they retreated back to the house to change. Once she was shifted, he had never seen a smile so radiant. Once he to was shifted, she threw her arms around him.

“That was the most incredible run I’ve ever had, and I know it’s because I haven’t for some time and its all because of you.”

“Believe me, I was more than happy to help.”

They went inside and a cook had moved into the house. The omegas prepared things for supper and both Austin and Nicole laughed and talked the entire meal. Austin thought that he had never felt this way and Nicole thought to herself that she hadn’t felt this way since Deavon was alive. Once they were all finished, Austin had plans to relax with Nicole for the rest of the night. Before he had a chance to say anything, Jake walked in.

“Sorry to bother you, alfa, but we have a problem. Oh, forgive my rudeness. I’m Jake, beta to Alfa Austin.”

“Nicole, mate to Alfa Austin.”

“It’s a true pleasure to meet you, my lady.”

“Please, just Nicole.”

“Of course.”

“I’m so sorry, my love but I have to deal with this.”

“Stop apologizing. Remember I grew up as the daughter of an alfa. And not just any alfa, the Immortal Alfa.”

“Of course. Forgive me.”

“I think I will go test out that bathtub. Try not to work too late. You promised me a movie to help me settle in.”

“I remember. Ill be back as soon as I can, I promise.”

He watched her walk away and climb the stairs. Once she was out of view, he turned his attention back to Jake.

“I really am sorry, Austin, I had no idea. No one had told me yet, they just said you were back.”

“It’s alright. Tell me what the problem is.”

“Witches back at the border. All potential dragons and even some they wouldn’t consider, we’ve safe guarded inside the temple.”

“Good. See if some of the humans that are mated to a few would be willing to stand guard for the night.”

“Yes, alfa. Please enjoy your night and I will only mind-link you if it’s important.”

He nodded and watched his friend walk out. Now Jake had met Nicole and he had a feeling he had much to say. Her authority plus him not getting upset about the problem or that he was disturbed all showed the impact they had. He stared at the stairs and considered bothering her in her bath.

Nicole had just got settled in the tub and let the hot water roll over her body. It was the most incredible bath she had had. The tub was big enough for two or three, so it appeared to sallow her whole. After a few minutes of situating herself, she closed her eyes. She felt so relaxed even being in a new place that she ended up dozing off. While in her dream state, she thought of only Austin. She dreamt that he had gotten done early and snuck upstairs. Being his house, he knew how to creep around it. She pictured his tall frame standing above her and finally sitting on the edge of the tub. He put his hand on her cheek and she leaned into his warmth. She was surprised to find that he was hotter than her bath water, but she figured it had to do with being a dragon. He stroked her hair and allowed his hand to trail down. She surprised herself by letting her mind trail off this way, having never had thoughts since the night she met him. She continued on with her fantasy and he trailed his hand down her neck and lightly touched her marking spot. It sent chills down her spine and he went lower on her body. He cupped each one of her breasts with his hands and used his thumbs to trace light circles over her nipples. She began to squirm at the intense feeling; one she had never felt before. Her breathing became heavy and still continued south toward her naval. His hand was the width of hips and he lightly traced them. She began to breath heavier as she anticipated what his next destination was. She wasn’t wrong as his hands reached her honey pot. He started with slow torturous circles around her bud. Once she began to squirm a bit more, he began rubbing it harder and faster until she felt every nerve in her body on fire. There was an intense building starting at her core and it kept building. She didn’t know what going to happen when the intense building of pressure would reach its peak, but as it got closer, she could feel her body beginning to shake. She began to cry out his name and she was now splashing water from moving so much to try and get away from his skilled fingers. He held her in place with one hand and the other stopped. She took a breath only to be plunged back into her intense orgasm as he dove his fingers right inside of her and began to swirl the around. He pumped them in and out of her and made his fingers into a hook as he pumped harder and faster in and out of her. She felt the tears roll down her cheeks as she screamed his named as she felt a flood exit from her and her entire body shake and convulse as a warmth spread across her entire body. When she caught her breath again, she saw Austin clean his fingers in the water. He held the back of her neck and slowly set her down. That was the most intense dream she had ever had. She went to open her eyes and found none of it was a dream. Standing above her was Austin who drying off his hands and changing his shirt. He didn’t see her awake because he was facing the other way. She just stared at his perfectly chiseled back and his muscles rippled with every movement. When he turned and faced her, he saw the lust still in her eyes. He decided instead of putting on a clean shirt, he threw the one he had to the side. He held his hand for her to take it and had a towel in his other hand. She took his hand and stood up and let him wrap the towel around her. He then picked her up bridal style and walked her to the bed. He laid her down gently and even though she was nervous, she couldn’t look away from him. Once she was set down, he slowly began to remove the rest of his clothes. She just stared at him as she watched every muscle ripple with him. His chest hair trailed south and disappeared to reveal his abs and then continued under his pants. She desperately wanted to know what was at the end and soon she would. The hair gave way to a V-line she imagined licking and kissing and watched as he removed his boxers. His cock sprung free and just stared at him and his massive size. She wondered to herself how he would ever fit. He smiled and used his finger to tilt her face up to him.

“It’s alright, my love. I won’t hurt you. First, I need you to get it wet.”

“How?”

“Put your mouth on it.”

She started at him wide eyes and wondered what he meant. He then put his lips to her and kissed her intensely, swirling his tongue on her lips and inside her mouth. Once his make out session was done, she lowered her mouth down to his shaft. She began kissing it and it made it jump. As swirled her tongue over it, his own feeling started to become intense. His undoing was once she out it in her mouth and she began sucking. She went up and down on him and swirled him around her mouth and at the back of her throat. All while she was sucking, one hand payed attention to his balls while the other stroked him up and down, intensifying his feeling. Her tongue worked magic as she continued to suck and was thoroughly amazed that even as deep as she went, she never gagged. A she went faster on him, he couldn’t help but grab a handful of her hair and move her head while pumping himself in and out of her mouth. When he came inside her mouth, he did so with a moan he couldn’t hold back. She licked him off her lips and tasted and tasted him; sweet and salty, like sea salted caramel. After that, he laid on her back and warned her it would hurt at first, but after that he would only show her pleasure. As he positioned himself at her gate, she could feel the pressure from his cock. She held her breath as he dove straight into her and she felt an unbearable pain. She held onto him as he just sat inside her and let her get used to the feeling of him. Once her started moving, she felt that intense pleasure building back up. He braced himself on each side of her head and began to wildly move within her. He had to hold her by the waist to keep her to him as she moved around a lot; the orgasmic feeling building within becoming too much. She continued to scream his name and kept moving in and out of her faster and harder. When she arched her back to meet him thrust for thrust, she exposed her neck and he sank his fangs into her. She screamed one last final time as the feeling of her orgasm mixed with him marking her had undone her. When he came inside her, she felt every bit of him shoot straight through her. He relaxed on her and then rolled over, pulling her on top of him. She laid there on his chest and stroked her fingers through his chest hair. She saw the beads of blood from where he had marked her, and she looked up at him.

“I’m sorry, my love. I wanted that to be different. When I came in and saw you relaxing in the bath, I was going to walk away, but then you mind-linked me and saw what your dream was about, and I couldn’t help myself.”

“I’m glad you didn’t. You marked me.”

“I couldn’t stop myself when you exposed your neck. Next time we do this, you will mark me.”

“Austin?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.”

“For?”

“I’ve never felt this happy or relaxed. I didn’t even know how much of a prisoner I was until you rescued me.”

“It was my pleasure.”

They talked a bit more before she dozed off on his chest. He gently moved her to the bed and covered her up with the blanket. She snuggled into the covers and he knew she was sleeping soundly. He moved off the bed and put his sweat pants on and sat in the chair and watched her sleep. Tomorrow, he was going to bring her to the city. First he would have her mark him. For now, she needed her sleep. It had been a long and stressful day for her. He never felt so at peace as he watched how at peace she was laying their bed. He knew then and there that as long as he had her, he and his dragon were both calmer. After watching her stir a bit, he decided to join her in bed. He put his arm over her and held her close and he drifted off to sleep with his mate safely tucked next to him.

Nicole woke up with the sun coming through the balcony doors. She tried move but felt a weight on her. She looked down to see Austin’s large arm holding firmly onto her. She smiled to herself and even blushed when she realized she was still naked up against him. She tried to wiggle her way out of his grasp, but the more she wiggled, the more her butt pressed against him and the harder he got. He began moving his hips against her and she was getting wet all over again. When she turned to look at him, she saw his dragon eyes and was incapable of stopping what came next. As he went back to the man, he lifted her on top of him and buried himself deep with her. She cried out at the intrusion and relaxed against him. He began to move underneath her and told her to move. She began to move her own hips until she found her spot and began to move until she built up her own orgasm. They moved in sync with each other at the same pace. She rode him hard and fast and he kept up with every movement. When she began to shake again at her orgasm, she threw her head back. He grabbed her by the nape of her neck and lowered her down to him. Once her lips touch his flesh, she sunk her canines into him as an intense orgasm rolled through her. She collapsed on him as he finished cumming inside her. He stroked her back until they both caught their breath and she played with the hair on his chest. He sat up with her and she rolled to the side and watched him walk to the closet. She grabbed her towel from last night and followed. The entire closet was now full; her side and his side. They dressed together while he told her of the things he had planned for today.

“You met Jake last night, but I want you to meet everyone else. I’m taking you to the city today if you think you can handle it.”

“I can try. I’ve never really been in a city before. So.”

“I know, my love. I’ve got you every step of the way.”

She nodded her head and they walked down for breakfast. The cook and the omegas saw the marks on both of them. Afterwards, Austin mind-linked Jake and told him that they were both coming in today and to prepare the office for her welcome. Jake knew that translated to make sure Kate isn’t there. She was last person Austin wanted to see after bringing his mate home and then marking her and she marking him.

Nicole was once again in awe of the city as they drove through it. They pulled up to a glass building and he pulled into the underground garage. He helped her out and escorted her to the elevator. They both wore clothes that would expose their necks so everyone would see and know who she was. When they got to the lobby, the receptionist greeted them both.

“Alfa, My Lady.”

“Good morning, Lyla. Any mail for me today?”

“Just Fredrick’s hospital bill again.”

“Thank you, Lyla.”

“Oh, Alfa. One more thing. You agreed to meet Chase today.”

“I will not forget the promise I made. I will see your mate after lunch, Lyla.”

“Thank you, alfa.”

They walked over to the main elevator and stepped inside while everyone dipped their heads in respect to the both of them. Once inside, Austin explained to Nicole about Chase.

“Lyla is human and mated to a dragon. She knows everything and she is a good asset. Chase recently lost bis business due a deal with foxes gone wrong. Foxes took over his company and moved it to their territory. In his defense, the one negotiating for him was taken by the witches, but the takeover id legally. I promised to talk to him about a getting a decent job here until he can find a way to recover his company.”

“That’s nice of you. Foxes are deceitful anyhow. He won’t be able to get it back if they really wanted it.”

“What do you?”

“If they didn’t want it, he has a chance. If the company was something they truly wanted, they whatever they can to hold onto it.”

“Foxes.”

“Where are we going?”

“To my office. You aren’t scared of heights, are you?”

“Not really.”

“Good.”

The elevator door opened to a grand entryway. There were two more receptionists waiting for him.

“Alfa, good morning. We have a full calendar for today. Jake has already told me about your mate. My lady, welcome. I have cleared your book for the morning for her. You have one meeting before lunch with the ambassador King Raymond sent. I’ve cleared your lunch so you and my lady will have some alone time and after lunch is your meeting with Chase. Afterwards, you have two phone conferences with the human offices about expansion and then the European dragons. You have a few contracts to sign and some documents to over and revise. I tried to keep your day short so you may spend some much-needed time with my lady.”

“Thank you, Andrea. I’d be lost without you.”

“No, Jake and I wouldn’t have a job if not for you.”

“This is Andrea, my main assistant. She is also Jake’s mate.”

“They seem like they almost have the same role.”

“Yes, my lady, but id rather deal with the company stuff rather than clan business.”

“At least he has the both of you.”

“And you too now, my lady.”

Nicole gave her a bright smile and allowed the other girl, Rose, to take their coats. She asked if she would like any coffee and anything to eat. Austin led her to his office once that was done and showed her inside. It was a huge corner office with views of the whole city. She was sitting in a chair next to him near the window when Rose came in. She set everything down and smiled at Nicole.

“If there is anything else, my lady, please let me know.”

“I will. Thank you, Rose.”

She dipped her head to both of them and walked out. Jake and Sean walked in before the door shut. Jake saw Nicole and smiled at her.

“It’s nice to you again, my lady.”

“And you, Jake.”

“My love, this is my third in command, Sean, Sean, may I introduce my mate, Nicole.”

“I see you two have wasted no time in marking each other.”

“It happened by accident. I couldn’t help myself and neither could she.”

“I understand. When me and Andrea first mated, no one saw us for at least two weeks.”

“Lucky you.”

“Sean hasn’t found a mate yet.”

“I’m sorry, Sean. Don’t give up, though. I thought I didn’t have one either.”

“Neither did he.”

They all talked while she drank her coffee. She liked these two and she could tell that they were Austin’s best friends. The whole time they sat and talked, Austin held onto her hand. This was a different feeling and she began to wonder if it would always be like this. She glanced up from her thought and found Austin staring at her.

“What?”

“It will be like this as long as you want it to.”

“You heard that?”

“I did.”

Andrea came back in two hours later to let Austin know his day was starting. Austin kissed Nicole and Sean drove her home. Jake stayed to help with whatever Austin needed.

Once back home, Nicole thought it funny that even though she was a wolf among dragons, she felt like she was still in her pack. This was her pack now. She decided to go for a run and informed her omegas she would be running alone. She shifted and ran straight for the woods. She was by the river when she caught a scent. Witch. She froze at first and then went to hide in a tree stump. She made herself as small as possible. It was easier being on all four paws. The witches came into view and she listened to their conversation.

“The deal was to never touch his son. He has a mate now.”

“We can’t touch her. After all these years, Lydia’s loyalty hasn’t been to us but her daughter’s life.”

“I know that.”

“Austin’s mate is Lydia’s daughter.”

“Taking a dragon could affect her.”

“Yes, but being half witch, we don’t know what she is capable of.”

“So, what do we do? I know that she has moved into Lily’s cabin.”

“Wait for the time to be right. For now, I want someone keeping an eye on her.”

“Of course, Sammy.”

“Babe?”

“What’s wrong. You sound frightened.”

“There was two witches.”

“Where are you?”

“The river by the house.”

“I’m on my way, stay hidden.”

“Please hurry. I don’t know if they have left yet.”

“I am.”

Within minutes she heard the flapping of his wings and felt the earth move as he landed. She crawled out and found four other dragons patrolling the skies and three in human form scouting the ground. She crouched underneath his massive build and refused to move. He mind-linked her and told her to trust him. She nodded and watched as hovered above her. He opened his paws and she felt his claws ease around her. He took off towards home and gently laid her on the balcony. He shifted and was worried because she would not. He picked her up and walked her inside. He set her down inside the bathroom and locked all the doors. He sat on the floor next to her and pulled her into his lap. He stroked her fur, hoping to calm her enough to shift. After an hour, he dozed off.

Austin woke up to find himself still on the bathroom floor. His hand was on head of hair instead of fur. She had drifted off and shifted. He gently moved her over and lifted and carried her to their bed. He laid beside her until she woke. Luckily he didn’t wait too long. Nicole opened her eyes and saw Austin laying next to her in their bed. She gave a weak smile and sat up.

“What happened, little one?”

“I smelled them and hid. They never saw me.”

“That’s good. Why were you so shaken?”

“They said they couldn’t touch you because of a deal made. Then they said you had a mate. One of them said they couldn’t touch me because of my mother. That means she is still alive. They said they are going to watch me. They want to know what I can do.”

“Don’t worry, little one. I won’t let anything happen to you. Come back to the office with me. You’ll be safe with me.”

Once Nicole got the office, Andrea handled everything. Jake got Austin to his meeting and Andrea took Nicole to a different part of the floor. Inside was a TV, small kitchen, couches and chairs. It looked like a mini apartment. Andrea walked over with a remote.

“This remote will lock in here. It’s a safe room. Metal sheets will go over the windows and the door. No one will be able to get it unless you let them. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to mind-link me. Just me or Jake will assist you. I will let you know when Sean shows up. He will be coming in here with you.”

“Thank you, Andrea. I don’t know what to say. For us, you are the equivalent to our Luna. Our alfa doesn’t function without you and if doesn’t then none of us do. We protect our alfa, but to dragons, the alfa’s mate is more important than anyone.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“Don’t you worry about a thing. We’ve got you.”

Andrea walked out and Nicole thought about something. She was the only wolf in dragon territory and yet she was the most well protected out of them all. Just because her mate was their alfa. She grabbed something to drink and settled down on the couch. Not long after, Sean walked in.

“Are you alright. I’m so sorry, I should’ve gone with you.”

“Sean, don’t worry about it. I’m ok.”

“Austin is going to kill me.”

“No, he won’t. I’ll make sure of it.”

He sat down next to her and she turned on the TV and put on her favorite show; Castle. After three episodes, Austin walked back in. Sean stood, nodded his head and left. Austin came and sat next to her.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes. Andrea has sworn to see to my every need and that while I’m here, I don’t have to worry about anything.”

“It’s true, my love. Everyone here would sacrifice themselves for you.”

“Like a pack would their Luna.”

“Yes.”

That sat and talked for a moment until there was a knock on the door. Andrea buzzed through the mic.

“Forgive me, Alfa.”

“What is it, Andrea?”

“Chase is here early.”

“Perfect. Send him to my office.”

“Yes, sir.”

He took a deep breath and looked over her face.

“Sean will be in here with you as long as necessary. You will be safe, my love.”

“Be careful, Austin.”

“I will.”

He kissed her and opened the door and handed the controls back to Nicole. Sean walked back in and sat with her until it was time to go.

This went on for at least three weeks and she was feeling caged up. She mind-linked Austin and told him how she was feeling.

“babe, I know I’m like this to keep me safe, but I am still a wolf. I need to run. I’m feeling caged.”

“All right. Ill have Andrea clear the rest of my day and anything that needs to be handled, Chase can take care of.”

“Okay.”

Chase had been given the job of a manager that over saw things if Austin or Jake were not around. He was fantastic at his job. Once Chase was informed, Austin mind-linked the clan.

“Nicole is going for a run. I want everyone set up to enclose the area. Sean, Jake, and myself will be by the river. The rest of you will keep her safe as well.”

There was a resounding yes alfa and he went to collect her. He walked in and she was with Sean by the door.

“Are you ready, my love?”

“Yes.”

He smiled at how excited she was to go for a run. Once back at the house, she shifted and went out the door. On all four paws, she looked out to the forest edge and saw Drake. He was going to stay with her.

She saw him sit by the river and as she looked around, she saw Max, Sean’s dragon, and Theo, Jake’s dragon. Her boys were protecting her, and she felt safe enough to go run for a bit. A she did, she found dragons on the boarder surrounding her. She didn’t feel boxed in, but she felt safe.

Scarlet looked on in fury. The dragons were protecting her. Dragons were fierce protectors and would die for her. She wondered if she had heard anything the day they were here by the river and grew furious at the witches for being so careless. This she would handle and find away to get this wolf away from her dragons. She would not be bested by a half-breed that wanted to make more abominations.