Sugar Blood: The Morningstar Series Book 1

Chapter Three: Ryce's P.O.V.

I woke up gasping for air. It's the same damn dream every night.

I was in the woods at the giant stump. My favorite place on pack grounds. She was there. Her long beautiful bright curls whipping around in the wind. She looked up at me with those light green eyes, and a smile that lit up the whole forest. Her laugh echoed through the trees. She walked to the stump, and lay flat on her back. I just watched in awe.

Aureaila.

She is a women now. With curves I would definitely kill someone over. I shook my head, and stormed up to her. Fuming, I stood over her. She giggled, and reached for my hand.

Then everything else faded away.

No more anger or sadness. Just her. Always her.

Aureaila tugged on my hand wanting me to lay with her. Instead, I hovered above her. I moved to lay between her legs, and rested some of my body weight on her. We were nose to nose now.

Aureaila giggled some more, and damn do I love the sound. I pulled away just enough to look into her eyes. Her fingers tangled in my hair.

"Will you save me Ryce?"

In the blink of an eye, she's gone. The entire forest went dark despite the sun just being out. I searched for her everywhere. Calling out her name.

Panic enveloped me.

Then I would wake up. Every single night for the last six months it was the same.

Is this some sort of punishmemt from the universe for remembering? I barely sleep anymore. All those years ago, I fought so hard to keep those memories I shared with my little mystery wolf. Now, I wish they'd all disappear.

After the night of my first shift, I had to pretend that I didn't know her. I didn't tell anyone, not even my Beta. Cree was right. Drinking that disgusting Witches brew, and then shifting let us keep the memories.

It has been 16 years since that day. I am 26 now, and have been running the pack for the last six years. Everything has been going smoothly I guess.

I went a lot of years hoping Aureaila would come see me. Spent countless nights waiting for her in the forest. She never came.

After a couple years, I had finally come to terms with the fact that she wasn't coming back for me.

That's when the anger set in. Aureaila really let them. She really forgot about me. Did she even put up a fight?

Aureaila has her wolf, she should have been able to fight it. If Aureaila has even a sliver of the power her parents radiated, then she should have made herself remember.

I grew grumpier and grumpier by the day. To the point where if someone even breathed wrong in my direction I'd snap. Mom and Dad had to sit me down, and talk about controling my anger. That only angered me more. Dad refused to hand the pack over until I could prove I had myself under control.

I spent three years traveling. At least, that was the excuse. I was looking for Aureaila even if I was pissed at her. Cree and I needed our mate. Bad. I could never find her though.

It took me about two years to figure out about the school. If I was Alpha I would have known about it already. Its not like I could ask either. Then they'd know I still had my memories.

The school is really cool actually. I loved the idea of bringing all us supernaturals together. A safehaven for kids.

I spent another seven months stalking the school. Waiting to see her, or to even just catch her scent. I never did though. Wasn't sure why. Where else could she be?

One day I was sitting in the forest surrounding the school with my back leaned against a tree. It was the middle of the day, and my eyes were closed. I heard a small rustling sound coming from the right of me.

My eyes popped open, and I waited for whatever it was to come out. Honestly, I was hoping it was a big animal. I would shift, and hunt in wolf form for food, but not a lot of big animals are around here.

Ever since my first shift I've crave blood too. I mean, I am half Vampire, but it was still new to me at the time. I had blood bags every day, or fed as I traveled. Can't feed here, and no blood bags now though.

Suddenly, a little black wolf with white paws popped out. A pup. Well this seems familiar.

The pup stared at me with its glowing green eyes. Not as dark emerald as mine, but not the light green like my mates either. The pup sat on it's butt, and c****d it's head to the side.

I opened my mouth to say something when I heard a little girls voice in my head.

Who are you? I haven't seen you before.

I looked at the pup. She couldn't have. Could she?

"Did you just mind link me?" I asked surprised.

Only wolves of the same pack can do that.

Oh, you are new. The pup mindlinked with a giggle.

"How is this possible?" I asked, awestruck.

Just something I have always been able to do. So, who are you? Are you an enemy? You aren't here to kidnap anyone are you?

The pup asked a lot of questions, but she seems so unphased. Even asking about k********g she seems so nonchalant. Like nothing scares her.

"How about you shift, and then we can talk face to face." I offered.

I want to see if she resembles my mate. Are they related?

No thanks. I like being in my wolf form better. She said.

Ooookay then. Can't blame the kid.

"My name is Ryce. Its a secret that I'm here. You can keep a secret right?" I asked.

Kid better be able to.

The pup came closer staring deep into my eyes. A few minutes ticked by, and I'm starting to get uncomfortable. Then she took a couple steps back, and sat back down.

You're here for someone. But you don't have bad intentions. She said.

Man this kid is intuitive. I couldn't help the small chuckle that rumbled through my chest.

What's so funny? The pup asked with her head c****d to the side.

"Nothing. You just remind me of someone. What's your name pup?" I asked.

She growled at me lowly. I'm not a pup.

"You're right, I'm sorry. Pups don't shift. Only mature wolves right?" I winked at her.

She stuck her nose high in the air and said, Right. My names Akeehla Morningstar. Youngest wolf to ever shift. She puffed out her chest with pride.

I like this kid. Cree chuckled in my head.

You can call me Kee though.

"Its very nice to meet you Kee."

Kee flopped out her tongue, and I couldn't help but laugh. This kid is adorable. She must be Aureaila's sister. I opened my mouth to ask her if she knows my mate, but was cut short.

I have to go. Moms calling me. Don't worry I won't tell anyone I saw you. Bye Ryce. With that she took off running towards the school.

I stayed a few more days after that. Kee hadn't come back to see me, and I couldn't find Aureaila anywhere. I had lost hope that I'd ever actually find her. Hunger is starting to get unbearable, so I headed home with my head hung.

When I got home Mom and Dad could tell something had changed. I couldn't explain it even if they knew I have my memories. I'm begaining to think I'd never see her again.

Hopelessness consumed me after that. I never gave up though. Instead of worrying so much about someone who didn't even try to remember me, I threw myself into Alpha business. I did everything I could to become stronger.

*********************************************

Two years later, Dad handed the pack over to me. The biggest issues we have are rouge attacks. Lately we seem to be having an extreme issue with them. Something big is happening, but none of us can figure out what.

Packs across the country are becoming scared. They are looking to me to solve it. I did say I was going to keep the peace between us all. So, I carried the weight of the situation.

I looked at the time on my phone, 8 a. m. Groaning, I rolled out of my bed, and went to my bathroom. I turned the shower on, and stripped out of my boxers.

Hopping in, I let the hot water run down my body, and wake me up. I had grown a lot over the years. Now, I stand at a tall 6'6 height. I weigh about 270 pounds. Mostly muscle. I train every morning with the rest of the pack just like Mom and Dad did. Then, I take extra training in the evening if I can. It used to be every day. Now, I'm lucky to get to that four times a week.

Quickly, I finished my shower. I turned the water off, grabbed a towel, and stepped out. Grabbing my toothbrush, and paste, I started brushing my teeth. I mind linked Dax.

You awake?

His response was quick.

Course I am. What's up Alpha?

What's on the list after training? I asked.

The biggest thing we need to worry about right now, is this rouge problem. You need to do something to show the other Alphas, and packs that we have this under control. He said.

Alright. Think of some things, and so will I. I'll see you for training in a bit. I cut the link.

I finished brushing my teeth, and went to my walk in closet to get dressed. I grabbed new boxers, black basketball shorts, and a white tank top. My hair sat wet, and messy on top of my head. I never style it. No point. It looks good as I run my hands through it all day.

At least, that's what all the she wolves tell me. Pretty sure they would have kissed my feet if I asked though. Nothings changed. People only want me for my title. Especially women.

She wolves are always throwing themselves at me. Even when they play hard to get, I know. None of them are really interested in me. I'd met my mate already afterall.

I didn't let that stop me from doing what I want though. I'm the Alpha. No weak mate will stop me. Thinking of Aureaila only pisses me off these days. I gave up completely on her.

Who needs a mate anyways?

We do. Cree grumbled.

I ignored him. It's always the same with him.

Go look for her. Need mate.

Whimpers, and whines.

We haven't been getting along that well lately. He wants me to go find Aureaila. Demand answers from her. Mark her.

My heart constricted. She wouldn't want me now. I'm not the same kind hearted kid. Becoming Alpha changed me. Dad wasn't kidding about the darkness being Alpha came with. He also wasn't lying about me missing those times. Though, I don't miss it for the same reasons he thought.

Shaking away thoughts of Aureaila, I booked it down the stairs. The pack house is still the same. I kept my same room, and took over Dads office. Mom, and Dad moved into a small cottage on the edge of the territory. Just like they always wanted. Only Dax and I live in the pack house now.

Walking into the kitchen, I see Dax sitting at the table with a cup of coffee in hand. He looked at me, and a yawn escaped his mouth. Lazy bastard.

"There's more coffee in the pot for you." He told me.

I just nod, and go to make myself a cup. We finished our coffee in silence, and headed to the training grounds. The training grounds are a huge field of land as big as a football field. All the pack warriors come every morning, and anyone else who wishes to participate.

"Good morning." I announced to the large group getting their attention. "Everyone partner up, and spar. Today you can chose to train in human, or wolf form. I will be going around to observe and help."

Everyone dispersed in pairs. Some shifted, others didn't. I started walking around to observe everyone.

My pack is huge with around 500 members. Over 200 are here right now. Beta Dax, Gamma Lana, and some of the higher ranking warriors walked around with me to help out. I gave Lana the Gamma position after my fathers Gamma died.

His name was Evan. He died rescuing some kids from a hunters hideout. Evan didn't have any children to take over, and Dad was struggling to figure out who he wanted to be Gamma. The decision to chose Lana was the very first one I made as an Alpha.

Dad was proud of me for choosing Lana. Women don't take the positions for Alpha, Beta, or Gamma. Times are changing though. Lana was clearly the best choice anyways. I wasn't dumb enough to think that just because she has a p***y she can't fight.

Many were skeptical at first, but Lana quickly won them over. She was a helluva fighter, and she trained our warriors well.

I stepped in a few matches, helped some with their stances. A few of the she wolves asked me for help so that they could rub themselves all over me. I rolled my eyes at all of them. So desperate.

After I made my rounds Dax, and I started to spar. Dax is a really good fighter. Not better than me though. We went at it for two hours, and not once could he take me down.

"Damn bro, you are ruthless lately." Dax said from the ground.

I extended my hand to help him up.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." I replied flatly.

"Yeah, guess so. Hey, look at Allie over there in those short shorts. Think they are giving her a wedgy?" My Beta asked.

I didn't even bother to look. Allie is notorious for dressing slutty any time a wolf with a title is around.

"I don't know man why don't you go ask her." I said.

I'm gathering up my things to leave. Most of the warriors have already left.

"Nah, I don't want her hitting on me again." He visibly shivered.

I rolled my eyes, such a drama king.

"Come to think of it, I don't ever see her hit on you." I said.

Dax turned to look at me a smirk on his lips.

"That's because I told her if she didn't back off I would convince you to kick her out of the pack. Since she's already scared of you it worked." He said.

I started walking away, Dax keeping in step next to me.

"I never threatened to kick her out." I said.

"No, but you're super mean to her." Dax replied.

"I had to be. She's relentless." I argued.

"Exactly."

We both laughed.

Dax is waiting for his mate. Dude hasn't even kissed a girl. I haven't slept with anyone, but I have hit all the bases before.

There was only ever one girl aside from her that ever caught my attention. Holly was new to the pack when we were 14. She instantly became my friend. Her, Dax, and I spent a lot of time together. I never told her about Aureaila, but she knew something was going on during that time in my life.

When I came back after being away for three years, Holly was my escape. She took away all the hurt I was going through. One thing led to another, and we ended up fooling around a lot.

I could never bring myself to finish the deal. Not all wolves waite for their mate, but it is better to wait. They say its worth the wait. I already know my mate though.

Do I really think Aureaila would be worth it?

She will be. Forget Holly. Cree said.

I'm not going to forget our childhood friend for someone who didn't even fight for me. I argued.

Cree only replied with a whine.

At this point, I think he knows arguing is pointless. I would do anything to forget about Aureaila now. I wish I would have taken that stupid potion, and not shifted. Anger started coursing through me as I climb the stairs to my room. Pausing only to tell Dax to be on my office in 30 minutes.

I turned the shower on just to rinse the sweat from my body. After I was done, I dressed in some dark jeans, and a black V-neck shirt. Then headed to my office.

Dax showed up about ten minutes later with a cup of coffee, and a sandwich for me.

"Thanks man." I said taking a bite of my sandwich.

I started looking through the papers the other Alphas sent me.The rouge attacks are getting worse. No one has been able to tell how they are getting in pack territories undetected.

I'm lost deep in thought when Dax cleared his throat.

"I have an idea." He said.

"I'm all ears buddy." I replied.

"What if we ask the Anderson School to send a squad?" Dax said.

My blood ran cold.

He wants me to ask my mates mother for help. The very women who tore us apart. Not to mention seeing Aureaila. Not that he knows, but still.

Cree's ears perked up, tail wagging excitedly. I frowned, and opened my mouth to decline when he held up his hand.

"Just hear me out. I can send two guys to request help. They do this sorta thing for free, but if we offer them money they can send their best team. That team can come here, and go over things with you. These people are trained to deal with these situations. I think its a really good option." Dax said.

Dax isnt lying. They are trained to take care of this sort of thing. If I send someone to request a squad, I won't have to go. I doubt Aureaila is a top notch assassin. The chances I'd see her would be very slim. They could help take care of this problem, and also create a new, and powerful ally.

"Okay, fine. Send Caleb and Aaron. I want the squad here ASAP though. Have them explain the gravity of the situation." I said.

"Got it. I'll do it now Alpha." Dax said.

With that he left my office.

I spent the next few hours in my office going over paperwork, and replying to other Alphas. This s**t is tiring. I put my pen down, and leaned back in my chair with my eyes closed.

"You look like you could use a break." I opened my eyes to see Holly standing in front of my desk.

Her black hair fell down her back perfectly straight. She has a warm smile on her face that makes her dark brown eyes sparkle. Holly is a beautiful woman, and she is kind hearted.

"I could definitely take a break." I responded as I stood up, and walked to her. "I'm also famished."

Lust filled Holly's eyes, and I placed my hands on her hips. Honestly, as shitty as it sounds, I really need my mind off of Aureaila. Holly put her hands on my chest. She's shorter than me at 5'9.

"Did you want me to make you something?" She asked looking at me through her long lashes.

I smirked, and bent a little to put my lips next to her ear.

"No thanks. I'll just have you." I kissed right below her ear, and a low moan escaped her.

I smiled against her skin.

Holly's hands gripped my shirt tighter as I kissed down her neck. I grabbed her under her ass, and picked her up. She wrapped her legs around my waist, and I walked us to the couch my lips on hers now.

I lay her on the couch, and started trailing kisses down her neck. I pulled her shirt over her head, and looked down at her. Holly looked up at me, beautiful with her flushed face.

"Ryce." She whispered.

Holly sat up slightly to grab my head, and bring me down to her breasts. I licked her already hard n*****s through the thin fabric of her bra. Reaching around, I unhooked her bra the slide it off of her gently. I put my mouth around one of her n*****s, and flicked my tongue across it. Holly's back arched up, and I started twisting her other n****e between my fingers. All you can hear are Holly's soft moans.

Fuck that sound is so hot.

I trailed kisses down Holly's stomach until I reach the top of her jeans. Looking straight into her chocolate eyes, I undid the bottom and slowly pulled the zipper down. Sitting back I pulled Holly's jeans off one leg at a time.

All that's left are her thin white panties. I bent my head down between her thighs, and started kissing up the left one. Placing open mouth kisses up, and down her thighs, easily driving her wild. She's panting now.

When I placed my mouth on Holly's covered p***y, a loud moan left her mouth. I sucked, and licked her through her panties, soaking them.

"Ryce... Please.." I smiled.

"Please what?"

Holly's eyes are closed. She opened her mouth, and tried to speak, but only soft moans came out.

"Please what Holly?"

I began licking her again.

"Please take them off, and taste me!" She said breathless.

That's all it took for me to rip Holly's panties to shreds. I dove in immediately licking the entire length of her. A loud moan left her lips followed by my name.

"Ryce oh... my.... Goddess".

I flicked my tongue in every direction I could as Holly bucked underneath me. I had to wrap my arms about her thighs to hold her still. I sucked on her clit, and lapped up all of her juices. I removed one of my arms, and inserted one finger into her p***y, and started pumping.

Holly is moaning louder, and louder, so I inserted another finger.

"s**t Ryce." Her moans are nonstop. "Oh my... I'm gonna.. I'm gonna.."

I pumped my fingers in out of Holly's tight p***y faster and faster. She's so f*****g wet. I sucked her clit into my mouth, and that was her undoing.

"OH MY GODDESS RYCE!" Holly screamed.

I slowed my pace, and let her ride out her o****m. Holly's moans slowly stopped, and her breathing slowed a bit. I licked up all of her juices, and kissed up her body to her mouth. Holly kissed me back running her tougne across my bottom lip tasting herself.

Holly grabbed the end of my shirt with both hands, and lifted it over my head. She pushed me back, and climbed on top of me. Straddling me she started kissing down my jaw to my neck. Every time she laid a kiss on me it felt amazing. My d**k is hard as a rock.

So, why can't I shake this guilt?

Guilt is racking my body to its core. What am I doing?

Aureaila would never accept me. That thought stabbed me in the heart. What do I care for anyways? She is weak. She forgot about me.

What about Holly? She knows we aren't mates yeah, but she's still a great girl. Am I making things complicated for her? I should have never started this. Or, let it keep going. My heart doesn't belong to Holly.

We both know it.

Holly is undoing my jeans when I grabbed her hands. She looked up at me, and I slowly shook my head at her. Holly frowned, and stood up crossing her arms over her bare chest.

"Are you really never going to f**k me?" She asked.

I rolled my eyes.

"Did you just roll your f*****g eyes at me?" Holly seethed.

Shit she's furious. She started putting her clothes on mumbling angrily to herself.

"You know we aren't mates Holly." I said it softly hoping to calm her down.

This wasn't the first time we had this conversation. Holly usually agreed with me right away though. Recently, she's been getting more upset.

She threw her shirt over her head, and closed her eyes.

Taking a deep breath, and letting it out roughly she said, "I know that we aren't. But we fool around. What's it matter at this point? I want all of you. Bad. Don't you want me that way?"

Tears rimmed her beautiful chocolate eye as she looked at me.

Truth is, I don't want her that way. Yes, I like making her c*m. Yes, I like it when she makes me c*m. No, I have zero intentions on this lasting.

Honestly, I have no idea what I'm doing. Thinking with my d**k, I guess. Ignoring my heart. I have to stop doing this. Holly is going to meet her mate one day, and it doesn't anger me in the slightest. I don't love her.

"We have mates out there Holly. I'm waiting for my mate." I looked away from her. "I don't think we should do this anymore. Please do not come to my office unless I request you."

Holly's mouth hung agape. I'd never said that to her. Never told her not to come back. I looked her straight I'm the eye and hardened my voice.

"Leave."

She turned, and walked out of my office crying softly.

What the f**k have I done?