“These are all around. We keep ‘em stocked with snacks and clothes, though you may not always find something that’s your style. It’s much easier for the girls to put on a pair of boxers and sweatpants, but not so much for us guys to be wearing dresses.” He glances at me. “Though, I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing you in a dress. Those legs…” he groans dramatically and I punch him playfully. As I pull back, he snatches my wrist and yanks me towards him. I open my mouth to protest but can’t get a word out before his lips are on mine, tongue sliding in.

  He grips my hips and pushes me backwards. My foot catches on the small step into the shed but he catches me with much stronger arms than I have, and I right myself before falling onto my ass.

  Ranger deepens the kiss, his hands reaching for the button on my jeans. He makes quick work of getting me out of them—I’m actually impressed. I’m not even sure I can get my pants down that quickly. He tears his lips away from mine abruptly and I already miss the feeling, but before I can do anything about it, his hot mouth is wrapped around my cock that’s already hard and ready for him.

  “Oh, fuck,” I groan, my hand finding his head while the other grips the wall for leverage. I twist my fingers into his hair as much as I can, tugging on it and guiding his head over my length. “You like being on your knees for me, Ranger?” I ask in a husky tone.

  “Mmmm,” is the only response I get, but I feel his lips turn up in a smile. I know it means yes. He licks, and sucks, even going so far as to nibble a little. I admit, I was a little scared having teeth directly on my manhood, but once I get over that initial shock, it feels fucking amazing. His fingers dig into my thighs as I thrust into his mouth. My breaths are rapid, and my heart is racing.

  “You’re... going to make... me come,” I say, my head falling back as I try to remain coherent enough to speak. He sucks harder, until I’ve reached the back of his throat and I can’t hold it in anymore. I still his movements with my hand, gripping his head as I release right down his throat. When he’s swallowed every drop, he gets to his feet, wiping his mouth. I can’t help but gawk in awe as he stands there, like a freaking statue with that fucking trademirk smirk, eyes lit up with amusement.

  All I can do is smile at the sight. I reach for his waist but he jerks away, shaking his head.

  “We’ve got lots more to see.” My eyes move down to the noticeable bulge in his pants and I bite my bottom lip, just imagining my hand around it. “Make it up to me later.” He walks out of the shed and I quickly pull my pants back up before I follow, closing the door behind me.

  “How much more you gonna show me?” I like the idea of learning the area, but I miss Jade. I haven’t been this far away from her in a long time and I can feel it. Right in my chest. As much as I’m sure she’s fine with her mom, I think she’d feel better being with me and Ranger right now. After dealing with Dustin… I think she needs more than her mom can give her.

  “Just wanna show you how the other half lives.”

  We walk through the woods again, for about ten minutes until we come upon the biggest house I’ve ever seen in person. Hollow’s House is spacious, but it’s flat. Spread out like a ranch. This though, is tall, elegant. Living in a small town, we don’t see much of the big fancy stuff. I mean, there are big farmhouses and things of the like, but nothing like this.

  It looks like something out of a horror movie. One of those old, Victorian style homes that have more ghosts in it than a cemetery. The grey and black design on the outside only plays into that, making it dark and menacing. Long ivy vines wrapped around the side, curling around the white shutters.

  “This is…”

  “Dustin’s house. Yep. Suits him, doesn’t it?”

  “I expected something… I don’t know, more snobby? Like something with trim and diamond windows. But yeah, I can kind of see how it fits.” It isn’t well kept, I can tell by the deterioration of the wood, and the faded paint, but it is still beautiful.

  Dark and menacing. Just like Dustin.

  I can hear sounds coming from within, crashing. Banging. Loud voices.

  “Let’s get out of here.” Ranger throws his arm around my shoulder, leading me back into the woods. “You know, I am sorry about what happened to you, but I don’t regret it for a second. So much has changed, it’s been one hell of a roller coaster, but I’m glad you’re here.” Ranger gives me a look that I can only describe as genuine, with a smile that I don’t think I’ll ever take for granted again.

  I look at him from the corner of my eye. “Me too.”

  Chapter 48

  Jade

  My mom is hands down the best cook in Starfall Creek. She grows most of what she uses in her cooking on our property. Starfall sustains itself pretty well, being as we’ve got great soil, and lush forests, and there’s lots of land afforded to the neighborhoods.

  She’s always canning, baking, making something new. She says it started as a hobby, when her and my dad first moved into the alpha house. He was gone a lot, on council stuff and she was bored.

  Now everyone in Starfall pays her instead of a grocer for their staples.

  “You’re nervous about the council.” Mom breaks the silence in the car, and I can’t help but close my eyes.

  “I mean, I did break a law, Mom.” My voice is soft, even to my own ears.

  “I know you did the right thing. I’m sure when they hear the circumstances surrounding Rev’s transition, they’ll understand.” She reaches a hand out, grabbing mine, and I let out a small sigh.

  “Stressing about it right now isn’t going to do anything but drive you crazy. You heard your father, the Elders will be tied up for a few days. You’ll figure things out, I know you will.” Her voice is bright, like she actually believes her own words. I open my eyes and look at her. She’s smiling at me, and it’s a bright, beautiful smile. I ease my shoulders just a bit.“Reverie seems like an interesting man.” She changes the subject, and casts me a sly glance. My cheeks redden.

  If she only knew the half of it.

  “I always thought you’d pick Ranger, you know.” She drives the Jeep past the main park and heads in the direction of the Alder land.

  “What? Why would you think that?” I can’t help the surprise in my voice.

  “I raised you two as packmates, sweetheart. Not siblings.” She lets out a laugh.

  “Oh my God, Mom! No, just…”

  “You two were always together. I gave up on trying to get you to sleep in your own rooms. You’d always end up together in his room anyway, under a pile of books and movies.” She smiles, and the memories push forth, bringing a smile to my own face. So many nights we spent like that, curled up under the blankets together, playing games, watching movies. Ranger reading to me… and I never thought twice about it.

  “Or Dustin…” Mom shrugs.

  My smile is short lived, as I sigh again instead. I don’t want to talk about Dustin.

  I don’t even want to think about him because I don’t want to lose my nerve.

  She must sense my disdain because she zeroes in on him like a target.

  “I’m sure none of this is easy for him. You know, you and Reverie.” She parks the car.

  “Why do you always defend him?” I lean my head back and her gaze settles on me.

  “Because that boy loves you,” her tone is serious. “Anyone with eyes can see that.”

  “Yeah, well, if he loved me that much he wouldn’t cause problems for me and my… pack,” I grumble.

  “I’m sure Dustin will do what’s right, Jade. You just need to be there for him. He needs love and support, not a fight. A fight is all he knows.”

  A fight is the only way he’ll listen.

  Sensing I am over this conversation, she opens the door, and heads to the back for her deliveries.

  I wonder what Rev and Ranger are up to. We’ve all been pretty inseparable since Ranger showed up with him, when he’d been attacked.

  Everything happened so fast; the scratch, the infection. Biting Rev and starting my own pack.

  Making love with Dustin.

  Discovering Ranger on a whole new level.

  I can’t help the twinge in my heart. For the first time since it all happened… I am alone.

  And without them I feel empty. Like something is missing.

  Mom comes back, jolting me from my thoughts.

  “You ready to head home, sweetheart?”

  I nod.

  “Yeah. Hopefully the boys will be back.” I force a smile.

  I walk into the main house, glad to be out of the midday heat. I really should have eaten more. Ranger was right. One pancake wasn’t enough.

  I can hear the depths of beautiful music in the air as I open the fridge, looking for a cinnamon roll.

  The melody was dark and haunting, but elegant and wistful at the same time. I spread some butter on my cinnamon roll, and sit down to just listen.

  It is a new piece.

  One I haven’t heard before.

  My sister is something of a child prodigy. She’s had a penchant for music ever since she was a baby. Dad would stand her on his feet and shuffle her around while he played classical records, and she’d bounce to the beat. I have two left feet when it comes to rhythm. Fortunately, dancing in bars or at socials involved a fair amount of swaying back and forth instead of keeping to the beat. Even Hannah and Melody have talents—Hannah is so crafty and makes her own clothes and stuffies; Melody takes after my mom in the baking department. I didn’t get any of the Hollow talent though, or the poise my sisters have. Just a wild and competitive streak with a heavy dose of defiance.

  My mom’s words from earlier flash in my mind. About Dustin. She’d said this whole Rev and me thing must be hard for him.

  I can’t imagine what must be going through my sister’s head after she came upon me and Ranger this morning. And I’m surprised she hasn’t said anything about it… not even to Rev.

  I know without a doubt that Ranger is part of my pack. In truth, he always has been, but this is different. Ranger isn’t a birth Hollow. He is our packmate. Not our brother.

  But most packs are just families.

  Alphas and their females. Lots of kids and extended family.

  My mother didn’t even suspect anything different between us. As far as she knows, when I bit Rev I made my choice. Ranger’s always supported me no matter what, so I’m sure to her or my dad nothing’s really changed despite his declaration to join my pack. But my sister…My sister has always made it very clear what her intentions were..

  I need to talk to Scarlet. I need a chance to set things straight with her.

  So I finish the cinnamon roll and make my way down the hall.

  I knock on her door.

  The beautiful melody stops, and there is a pause before the door opens.

  “Jade.” Scarlet stood before me, her resting bitch face impenetrable. Her hair perfectly pulled back, with not a strand out of place.

  “Can we talk?” I swallow nervously.

  Scarlet opens her arms, gesturing to her room.

  “Sure. Come on in.” She walks back to her piano.

  Our bedrooms aren’t small by any means. In the older days, they’d housed more than just one kid. Pack families were bigger then, and it was pretty normal to have three or four kids to a room.

  But my parents stopped at the four of us. Or the five of us, if you count Ranger. I think my father was afraid of having another girl.

  “About this morning…”

  Scarlet stretches her thin fingers delicately over the keys.

  I notice she is no longer wearing the blue cardigan.

  She had traded it for a simple white ruffled top.

  She is so pretty. Like my mom. All my sisters take after my mom. Tall, tan, perfect golden hair, and green eyes, full lips. I want her to find someone. Someone who will adore her beautiful musicality, someone who will make her smile the way Rev, Ranger... and even Dustin make me smile.

  “What about it?” She doesn’t look at me as she continues to play. I sit on the bed, twisting my lips.

  “I… I’m not sure what you think you saw…” I test the waters.

  “I could smell him all over you. I didn’t have to look.” Cut and dry as always.

  “I’m sorry, Scarlet. It just kind of happened…” I let the words tumble out. Scarlet continues to play.

  “You never think about other people, Jade. Only yourself. I can’t say I’m surprised with your actions. I am surprised at his though.” Her words were cold. “You force Reverie into a life he has no business being in, just to cheat on him. What would he think?”

  “It’s not like that…”

  Her playing ceases and she flashes her eyes on me, like a spotlight.

  “I don’t care. You’re not a Hollow anymore. It’s not my problem, or my business what you do. But it is wrong.” Her voice is steady. “Everything about it is wrong.”

  “Excuse me?” My wolf stands at attention.

  “You turned a human. That in itself is an inexcusable feat, but to top it off, all you get is rewarded. You started your own pack, congratulations!” she sarcastically drawls.

  “Scarlet…”

  “But you couldn’t just stop there, could you? You had to push it. It’s not enough for you to be an alpha, and have a pack. A family. You had to take the one thing I’ve always wanted away from me. Ruin any chance I had.”

  “Ranger has told you a million times—”

  “I’m done, Jade. I have no more fucks to give about this. As far as this situation is concerned, you and Ranger can have each other.”

  Her words leave me in silence, but the haunting melody picks up once more.

  “You won’t tell mom or dad.” I tense, worried for her response.

  “No. I won’t. But maybe you should remember this is Hollow’s land, not the clubhouse. Maybe you shouldn’t go parading your boy toys around like you’ve got nothing to lose.”

  I get up and leave.

  Her words hit me right in the chest.

  I don't think Scarlet will rat me out. She’s never been the confrontational type.

  I know she is pissed at me, though, and I can’t blame her. I just hope she knows I didn’t do this on purpose.

  Hopefully, time and a songwriting binge will help her work through those emotions. It may be crazy, but I want her to accept us.

  Maybe I need to give her space. Maybe things will be different after the ceremony.

  I walk into the guesthouse, to the sight of Reverie making lunch. Ranger sits on the barstool, shirtless, bare feet propped up against the ring, swiveling back and forth. In the light that pours from the kitchen, his skin glistens, honey eyes glowing like amber fire as his gaze settles on me.

  “You’re back!” He smiles.

  Rev looks up, and it is like I am seeing the sun. He sets his plates down and runs to me.

  He wraps his arms around me, pulling me close as he nuzzles my hair and takes a deep breath.

  “I missed you.” His voice is smooth, and my heart flutters.

  My arms slide around him, holding him tightly as I breathe in his scent, squeezing him.

  “Feeling is mutual.” I whisper as his lips graze my neck softly. He slowly pulls away from me, his hand interlocking mine and he pulls me to the kitchen.

  “You must be hungry by now. I know I’m starving,” he says as he takes his spot behind the counter, and I sit next to Ranger.

  “What, no ‘I missed you too, Ranger’?” He shoulders me playfully and I roll my eyes at him.

  “Can’t miss you if you don’t go away.” I smirk, and he clutches his heart dramatically.

  “You're killing me, baby. Death by a thousand cuts here.”

  Rev throws the kitchen towel over his shoulder as he walks about, stirring, tasting.

  A smile forms on my face as I watch him. Completely in his element.

  “What are you making?” I lean forward on the counter, and I can feel Ranger’s hand on my thigh, the lightest of touches.

  “Pizza.” He flashes me one of those alluring, sexy Reverie smiles that makes my insides turn to butterflies and sugar rush.

  “I thought you didn’t eat pizza?” I ask confused.

  “No, but you love it, and I love you, so…”

  A strange sort of silence falls over the room.

  I wish I could say I feel uncomfortable. After all, I haven't known Rev long... but we’ve been through things meant to kill people.

  Dustin’s never even told me he loves me.

  I can’t help it... the tears that come to my eyes.

  For a moment, Rev looks like he’s afraid he’s said something wrong, clearing his throat nervously. I can feel Ranger, ready to jump if I need him too.

  The feeling is overwhelming. My pack. Nothing’s ever felt this right.

  “I love you too, Rev. Thank you.”

  Chapter 49

  Dustin

  I end up back at the treehouse after running for so long I think I might die.

  Don’t think I would have cared if I did.

  My life has always been a mess, nothing has been easy. Every time I turn around, it’s something else getting ruined. I’ve always lived my life in the shadow of my father, even though I didn’t want to. I thought I would take over his pack one day, and at one point, it thrilled me. Like most little boys, I wanted to be just like my dad when I was older. Until I saw the true him. The one behind closed doors.

  When I’d realized being an alpha of another pack was an option, I was over the moon. I knew I’d have to wait for someone to step down, and for the position to open up, but knowing I could have what I want and do it my way… I knew without a doubt that was my only way out. If I’d have taken my father’s position, it would just be me running his pack by his rules. There are too many wolves under him who are loyal to his ways. That’s not what I wanted.

  But after applying, after a tribulation of trials, finding out I was chosen to take over Hollow Pack… that was one of the best days of my life. I knew I would have everything I wanted. The status of alpha, a great pack to lead, and Jade by my side.