One Night

Chapter 5

I couldn't believe it. He was the wolf from that night. The one who saved me, on the other hand, he is also the one that bit me.

I don't think he knows I'm a wolf, as well.

I stepped forward reaching my hand out to touch his fur, the tingles erupted wherever I touched him. He made a low rumble in his throat, it sounded like a wolf's version of a purr. Stepping back from him, I put a bit of distance between us. He gave a small whine when I started backing away. I took off my jacket to which he tilted his head sideways, his eyes began to gleam with curiosity. I took cover behind the porch, stripping out of my pants and shirt. I liked these pants and didn't want to rip them as he did to his.

I started my shift and in almost the blink of an eye, I was in my wolf form. I walked out from behind the porch to stand in front of him. He looked shocked. Well, as shocked as a wolf's face, can look. He took a cautious step towards me and I could still smell the sage and cedarwood. It was becoming intoxicating, smelling it for so long.

Standing next to him in wolf form, I wasn't much smaller than him in height but he won in bulkiness. I could tell he was taking deep breaths in too. His eyes kept searching mine, his eyes were flashing a bunch of different emotions, curiosity, surprise, and a few others I couldn't identify.

Turning back to the porch I went behind it and shifted back, after getting dressed. I held up my finger signaling 'one second' and ran into the house, headed for my room. I loved baggy sweats so I had some that would fit him, so he could change back, we needed to talk. Grabbing a black pair I ran back out of the house. I set them on the railing while staying on the porch and turned my back when I started to hear his shift.

When I heard him slide on the sweats, I turned around. He was still shirtless and I took the time to scan my eyes over every visible inch of his skin. I could see a long thick scar run along his right ribs. I brought my eyes back up to his when I heard him clear his throat. Turning on my heel, I headed back into the house. I could hear and feel him right behind me. It's weird, now that we know what we both are, I'm more aware of him.

I plopped down on the couch while he leaned against the wall across from me, still shirtless might I add. I huffed standing up, I went into my room once again and grabbed one of my nightshirts. They're huge.

Once again I'm glad I like baggy clothes to lounge in. I walked back out to the living room handing him the shirt. He looked at it then back at me but grabbed it and slid it on. Satisfied that he was now decent, I plopped back on the couch again.

"Care to explain what the hell is going on?" I finally broke the silence. He sighed, sliding down the wall to a sitting position with his elbows on his knees.

"Honestly," he began " I don't know. I smelt you that night in the woods but you smelt human, you still smell human. But I don't understand how that's possible when I've seen you become a wolf." he just stared at me.

"All this started after you bit me," I stated while standing up, beginning to pace. He stared at me with his mouth agape.

"After I bit you? I barely broke the skin, it was an accident, and that has never changed anyone before. At least not to my knowledge." He seemed genuinely confused about that factor so I moved on to the next.

" Ok, We will figure that out later. Next up why do you smell like that and why can I just now smell it all the time?" I was still pacing, my mind was a jumble of thoughts. I needed answers.

"Smell like what?" I heard him say quieter than before. I stopped pacing staring right at him. "Like sage and cedarwood," I said taking a deep breath for emphasis. He stood up then, it sure was a sight to see him in my clothes, even if they were gender-neutral. Stepping closer to me he began twirling a strand of my hair around his finger again. He took another step forward, ducking his head he took a deep breath next to my neck.

"You smell like Crisp green apples and Lilies," He whispered in my ear and I couldn't hold off the shivers that time. I pushed him back a little and swore I saw hurt in his eyes but then it was gone. His emotions are so confusing.

"Why?" was all I said. Sighing he ran his hand through his hair.

" We are mates," he said never breaking eye contact with me.

Mates? what the hell is he talking about? I raised my eyebrow in response while crossing my arms. He reached out and drug his finger along the back of my hand lightly. His finger left a trail of tingles in its wake.

"What are you doing to me?" I barely whispered. He stepped closer again and wrapped his arms around my waist even with my arms crossed. He didn't seem bothered by my position. I didn't shrug him off but I didn't put my arms down either. But I could feel the tingles wherever he was touching me.

" We are mates, soulmates I guess you could call it. Every wolf has a mate out there somewhere. Sometimes it's two wolves sometimes it's a wolf and a human. But I've never heard of a human being bit by a werewolf and then turning. That's something we are going to have to figure out." He took a pause. "Another thing that's odd, your shift, and your wolf." I pushed away from him, I was a little offended I thought my wolf was beautiful. He quickly held up his hands in surrender.

"I didn't mean any offense," he began. " I just meant that I've never seen anyone shift as fast as you for one thing. And your wolf is gorgeous," he said that last part like he was daydreaming and it gave me butterflies.

"The size of your wolf is abnormal compared to your human height. I've also never seen a red wolf with your coloring." I stepped away from him plopping down on the couch my head was spinning with too many questions. He kneeled down next to me grabbing my hand. The tingles started as soon as he touched me, oddly enough it calmed me down some.

"The tingles that I know you can feel. I can feel too. That's part of being mates, only mates feel these tingles. I calm you down and you calm me down. We are two halves of one whole, the perfect team, I am destined for you just as you are destined for me, for us to be equals. I know this is a lot to take in. I'm also sorry you had to go through your first shift alone If I'd known I would have told you sooner." He had remorse in his voice. I don't know what came over me but I felt the need to stroke his cheek. His eyes showed an emotion I couldn't identify.

"My first shift wasn't bad." Was all I managed to say to which he looked at me like I was crazy.

"You passed out afterward though, right?" I nodded my head.

He shook his head, running a hand down his face. He then looked me deep in the eye like he was trying to find something. "Don't you remember what attacked us the night we met?" He asked me incredulously. I felt my eyes widen when I realized that no, I hadn't thought of that the night of my first shift.

Speaking of which, "Why did that thing come here anyway?" I asked him. He sighed rubbing the back of his neck as he stood up.

"I don't know. It was a coincidence that I happened to be there that night. I had somehow caught your scent when I was on a run and followed it here." He looked down as if he were ashamed.

"Why could I only smell you here and there but you could always smell me?" I had so many questions. I was glad my mom was out of town because if she came home to see a boy here, this late she'd kill me. He looked back up at me and moved to sit next to me on the couch.

"I don't know the answer to that either I'm sorry," he said but then got a slight smile on his face.

"But I may know someone who can answer some of these questions," he said but sounded off when he said it.

"You're not telling me something." It was a statement not a question and he knew it. I was starting to figure him out. He looked off to the side and mumbled something under his breath, it sounded like 'I'm alpha of a pack' I started laughing because I was sure I heard him wrong. He looked at me with concern etched into his forehead. "I'm sorry I thought I heard you say you're an alpha," I said as my giggles stopped.

"I did," he sounded so matter of factly. "I only enrolled at the high school to keep an eye on you," he said shyly. I didn't know whether to be touched or mad. This was all way too much. He says we are mates so what now we are just automatically a couple? Now he says he's an alpha what does that make me? Why am I different than other wolves? Why couldn't I smell him like he could me? Why were vampires seemingly after me? And why is it that the longer he is around me and the longer I can smell him the calmer and more drawn to him I become? More and more questions kept popping into my head.

So I got up and started pacing again. I think I was starting to worry him because he came up to me, wrapping his arms around my waist again. I calmed down slightly but still had lots of questions. I didn't like how he seemed to control my body but I also somehow knew deep down he'd never hurt me. For some reason, I felt like I could trust him.

"Do you want to go to my pack? Maybe find some answers? I know this is a lot right now." He seemed genuine. To answer him I started putting my boots on then threw on my jacket from earlier. Thankfully, he took that as a yes and headed outside. After locking the door I saw he was headed for his bike.

"Are you insane?" He turned around startled at my sudden outburst.

"Come again," he said back to me with his helmet still in his hands.

"You're not riding your bike in sweatpants. We're taking my jeep." It came out with an authority I didn't realize I possessed and didn't even use intentionally. He just stared at me with half shock and half pride dancing in his eyes. I didn't know why he looked prideful though, it was concerning. I threw him my keys forcing his attention.

He caught them, of course, werewolf reflexes after all. I never let anyone drive my jeep but my mind was too frazzled to focus on the road and he knew how to get to where ever we are going, I didn't.

"Your driving," I said as I got in the passenger seat. As he eased us onto the road, I had a feeling we were headed up the Mountain Loop. I must say it was a sight, to see him driving my jeep. I'll admit I didn't mind him behind the wheel. We went miles and miles up the Loop when we finally turned onto a gravel road that went miles into the dense forest. We drove for miles when finally a giant log cabin came into view. It looked like a resort, it was absolutely gorgeous.

Looking further, there were a bunch of cabins around the main house, it didn't seem to have any particular order to the layout. They also came in various sizes and styles. There were stone paths everywhere connecting everything with lights lining the sides. The landscaping wasn't your normal either, there were ferns and moss everywhere but what was most beautiful was the Moonflowers vining everywhere along with Night Phlox. It was gorgeous here.

"It's beautiful," I said glancing at him. He smiled again taking me by surprise.

"I'm glad you like it," Was all he said, as he pulled through the circle drive to leave my jeep first out. Getting out of the jeep the air smelt amazing. I stopped, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. The air smelt crisp and clean with sweet notes from the flowers, and an earthiness from the moss and ferns, then there was that sage and cedarwood I was growing to love. I knew he was standing in front of me I could practically sense he had that smirk on his face again. Opening my eyes I noticed that behind the huge house was an even bigger mountain. This place seriously was beautiful, I can't imagine what it will look like in the daylight.

He was still staring at me when he held out his hand for me to take. I stared at it for a second but thought 'what the hell?' I grabbed his hand letting him intertwine our fingers. I wondered if these tingles will always happen when we touch. He gave me a smile when I took his hand. I had a feeling that I was either the only one or part of a special few that got to see that smile. Majority of the time the facial expression he wore was stoic.

He led me up the front steps of what I assumed is the main house based on the sheer size of it. The front door was actually two massive french doors that came to a point at the top, made out of what looked to be the same wood as the side of the house and they had wrought iron stained glass windows that made up a wolf howling at the moon when they were closed.

Walking into the foyer there were two tall, square, shiny black planters with two huge lady ferns in them, on either side of the entrance. I was mesmerized by everything. As soon as you walk out of the foyer, there is a giant staircase leading up to other floors.

" How many floors are in this place?" My voice came out as more of a whisper. I was mesmerized, taking in everything around me.

He stopped walking for a second, "There are five floors." My eyes must have gone big for a second because he continued to explain each floor.

"The top floor is for Luna and Alpha, the second floor is halved to house Beta and Gamma, third and fourth floor are for any pack member not in their own cabin. Everyone has the option to move in or out of a cabin at any point." I just nodded, I had more questions than I could count but I would save them for later.

Walking further into the house, the living room was to the right and it was huge, there were two sectional couches, every up-to-date gaming console I've ever heard of, and two TVs. Everything had the same kind of style, rustic log cabin vibes. Everything was dark wood with black wrought iron accessories and accents. All of the tables looked like they were made out of thick old barn wood. This place was gorgeous and very rustic, I loved it.

Luke still had a hold of my hand and was just kind of dragging me along as I took everything in. We passed by the kitchen which was absolutely huge. The kitchen too, had a rustic wood cabin feel. All the countertops were thick rough-cut wood, polished on top. The cabinets were again that dark brown wood like the rest of the place so far. It also had every kitchen appliance one could ever need. Including two huge industrial ovens and on the far wall a fridge that was actually built into the whole length of the wall.

I could feel his gaze on me the whole time we were walking through the house I was too busy looking around, absorbing everything. I was also thinking about what he had said a second ago, 'the top floor is for Luna and Alpha' it had me curious. We were walking down a hallway it had three doors one on either side and one at the very end.

"The door on the right is a bathroom, the door on the left is my Beta's office, and the one at the end is my office." he pointed out the doors as we passed them. I knew we were headed for his office.

His office had dark forest green walls with dark wood trim and dark hardwood floors. The wall straight ahead was hardly a wall at all but one big window, it was my favorite feature thus far. His desk was really thick, practically black wood, and was in the middle of the room although tucked back closer to the window. There were bookcases on either side of the room built into the wall, along with a small sitting area off to the left.

I was amazed, even his office was gorgeous. I wondered who designed this place.

Looking out the huge window behind his desk you could see all the cabins scattered through the land. All in various locations, some grouped close like neighborhoods, some spread out, and some were all the way along the edge of the woods. I was lost in the beauty of everything until I felt the tingles disappear from my hand. I came out of my daze and turn to see he was sitting down in the seating area. He was smiling at me again, I couldn't help it I returned his smile. I saw his eyes light up briefly but a slight smile remained on his lips and in his eyes.

"I have someone on the way to help us understand what's been going on." He explained. He had his head leaning back on the couch, he seemed calmer but I had a hunch it was going to be short-lived.

I nodded as I walked over to where he was sitting. Taking a seat next to him, I don't know what came over me, however, I reached over and grabbed his hand intertwining our fingers. I was beginning to crave those tingles.

He gave me a wide-eyed look in return, to which I just gave a slight shrug. I was starting to perceive that I didn't mind his company, I actually enjoyed it. I've been conflicted about him since we first met. I've never really had anyone other than Skye. So I didn't quite know how to let someone else in, but I was willing to figure it out.

He opened his mouth to say something right as there was a knock at the door. His signature stoic expression took over his face as he announced "Come in." His voice rang with more authority than it ordinarily does.

The door soon opened to reveal a man of similar build to Luke, except he was about twenty or so years older, looking closer I realized, Luke, had one of his eyes and similar facial structure, having said that he had almost auburn hair with some salt and pepper marks around his temples, where Luke's was jet black. He was quite handsome.

The mystery man who I'm assuming is Luke's father, based on how much they look alike, sat in the chair across from us. He stared at me for a second before, Luke, introduced us.

"Ray this is my Dad, Charles, Dad this is my Mate, Ray." There was that word again, Mate, reminding me of all my questions.

Charles gave me a polite nod while saying, "Nice to meet you. I hear you have some questions." He sure was right about that.

Luke proceeded to tell him everything that's happened this far, including me smelling like a human, not being able to smell him as my mate right away, then about how my shifts are super fast and how my wolf is almost the same size as an alpha, which apparently isn't normal.

His dad took in all the information while sitting there calmly. Once, Luke finished explaining, his dad turned his attention on me.

"Would you mind if I could see you shift?" He directed the question at me. Before I could answer a low growl started coming from Luke. I don't know why, but I reached out and touched his face, bringing his attention to me. He seemed to visibly calm down. That just added more questions to the list. I saw his dad roll his eyes at his son's actions.

"Oh please, son calm down. You know very well I have no interest in your mate." He sounded slightly irritated. Which made me giggle slightly. It was amusing to hear someone else give Luke an attitude other than, me.

"Obviously we get her a shirt to change into so she won't ruin her actual clothing," Charles stated in a matter-of-fact tone. I finally decided to speak up at that point considering I could feel Luke getting more rigid by the second.

"Well let's do this sooner than later since I'd like some answers. " I stated, standing up.

Luke ran his hand down his face in exasperation, but he stood up as well, walking to his desk he pulled open a bottom drawer and came back with a black T-shirt. He still looked reluctant to have me doing this. Heaving an irritated sigh I stood up took the shirt out of his hand and started towards the door. I heard a chuckle come from Charles as I closed the office door.

I headed for the door Luke pointed out earlier as the bathroom. I closed and locked the door, stripped out of my clothes, and put on the shirt he gave me. As I slid the shirt over my head I was smacked in the face with his scent of that intoxicating sage and cedarwood. I couldn't help it, grabbing the collar of his shirt, I held it up to my face and took some deep breaths in. It was so strange how his scent calmed me but it also made me weak in the knees.

I wondered if my scent did the same thing to him. Looking at myself in the mirror his shirt was plenty big enough to cover all my, assets I guess you could say. Satisfied that I was decent enough, I gathered up my clothes and headed back to his office. I thought it was kind of weird that this place was so big yet so quiet.

I didn't bother knocking. As soon as I walked through the door I felt Luke's burning gaze on me, which probably had to do with the fact that I am wearing his shirt and my legs were are on full view. I always wore jeans or some sort of pants so this was new to me too.

Trying to ignore his burning gaze I broke the silence. "So, where are we doing this?" Luke stood up and hit a button on the wall that slid a cover over the wall that was a window.

Turning around, he crossed his arms, "Here should be fine." he stated. I went to stand on one of the black plush rugs then closed my eyes and shifted. It was pretty much instant now, there was no pain and I hardly felt my bones move at all anymore.

I opened my eyes to find Luke was looking at me in admiration and his father was looking at me with curiosity. I just stood there unsure of what to do next. Charles was looking me up and down, I felt like I was under a microscope. Then he started to circle me, I kept my eyes on him the whole time. I didn't feel threatened but I was uneasy with someone staring at me that intently. At the same time, I started to hear a rumble coming from Luke, I saw Charles' gaze lock on my ear. I knew he was looking at the weird mark there.

Luke cleared his throat, "Let's give her some privacy to change back and get dressed." he directed at his dad.

They both turned their backs giving me privacy so, I shifted back and got dressed in record time. Once my boots were on I cleared my throat. As they turned around, I was taking my seat on the couch again.

"Well, my dear you're definitely unique." Charles started off, " The main thing is you are comet born."

I heard Luke gasp But I was still just as confused, if not more now. Thankfully Charles continued.

" The last comet-born wolf existed five hundred years ago. It happens when one is born into the world at the same moment the comet shines brightest. They have special abilities, which explains why you shift so fast and partly explains your size. You have other abilities that will come out with some training and also come out naturally. But there's something else, being comet born explains your size, partially, but I'm not sure about the rest. I'm not sure why you changed when he bit you and I'm not sure why she couldn't sense you as her mate. Another thing is I've only heard of born werewolves being comet born. I think we should take a visit to Dr. Meyer"

I could feel both of their gazes on me. So many things were running through my mind. I thought knowing would clear things up, but no such luck. I just had more questions now. I wanted answers, not more questions.

Standing up I headed for the door, calling over my shoulder, " Well let's go. I don't know how to get to Dr. Meyer." Once again I heard Charles chuckle. I kept walking out the door. I headed towards the front door until I heard Luke's footsteps behind me. He caught up quickly.

Turning around I noticed his face was a mixture of surprise and confusion. "What's the matter?" I questioned raising my eyebrow.

"Well, to be honest, I never expected you to be so calm about this whole thing and I'm not used to people bossing me around." He paused for a second, stepping closer to me, grabbing my hand, he intertwined our fingers, leaning in he whispered " I kind of like it."

I could feel his warm breath on my neck, it sent shivers down my spine, I couldn't hold back. A smirk crossed his face at my body's reaction. Annoyed that my body betrayed me, I broke the silence.

"Can we go see this Dr. Meyer, please? I need answers ." Pulling my hand away from his, I crossed my arms and raised my eyebrow.

His smirk fell as soon as I broke our hands apart but came back almost instantly, with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

"I'll take you there if you hold my hand while we walk," he sounded so smug while he said it, I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Getting a spark of mischievousness myself.

"Or we could just not figure out what's different about me and not figure out this mate thing you guys keep bringing up." I let my words drip with disdain as I watched his face fall in defeat, I gave him a smirk right back. Two could play this game.

"Alright, fine." He said it like someone just put him in timeout, which I found highly amusing. I couldn't hold in my laugh that burst out. Surprise flashed in his eyes as his mouth gaped open. I had to admit it was probably an interesting sight to see from his or anyone's point of view who knows me. Showing emotion isn't one of my strong suits. Actually come to think of it people treated me like they treat Luke.

As my laughter died down to just a few giggles, Luke leaned back with his arms crossed. It just made his muscles stand out even more. He didn't look very amused anymore, he now had on his stoic expression. He headed outside the front door without saying a word. I decided to just follow him quietly.

Headed down the front steps he went to the left and started walking down one of the stone paths. The path went by a few cabins and I took the time to observe everything. All the different styles and layouts. How everyone had different landscaping styles, everything seemed so harmonious even though it was all different. It was quite amazing almost magical.

After walking for a few minutes I noticed his arms had dropped back to his sides. In a way of saying "sorry," I walked closer to his side and intertwined our fingers. Still walking he gave me a sideways glance but didn't say anything. I saw his shoulders relax out of my peripheral vision. I still wondered why he calmed down when holding my hand.