The First Mate

Chapter One: Found

My 18th birthday had passed just under a month ago, causing my Shift and uniting me with my Shifter companion.

She was different, she was wrong for a Wolf, at least, that's what my Pack told me.

But she craved the love of a mate, someone who would protect us and care for us.

Something I wasn't used to. Something I didn't know the feeling of.

We moved halfway across the country after my birthday. I don't remember really why; I just knew for the first time I was going to a school.

In a town filled with Shifters.

Most of Sparrow Falls were Wolves, but there was a group from each Clan, Ravens, Coyotes, Stags and Bovine.

Mountain lion and Bear Shifters were the only other two who held standing the same as Wolves, the leaders forming to create the Triad of Alphas.

Most Shifters gathered to increase their chances of finding a mate.

The Clans of Sparrow Falls grouped for protection and encourage Shifter lifestyles and behaviours not commonly displayed in human towns.

Their laws were their own, humans didn't intervene with the Goddess' creations, much less know they existed.

I didn't really care, my Pack had enacted their own 'laws' on me the entire time, whether we were around humans or Shifters.

But I kept out of sight for the most part, not that it wasn't hard for me.

I was small for a Shifter, only 5'4, and petite but curvy, with long copper hair and green eyes, pale skin and freckles I tried to cover. I'd almost hoped I'd go unnoticed during the day.

Everyone in this place towered over me, and I got somewhat lost easily, being unable to see the hallways correctly.

That and I'd occasionally get distracted by certain smells that lingered in the air.

In a distracted moment by a tangle of scents, I bumped into a girl named Lisa, a Bear Shifter who seemed to deal with very little s**t.

She'd threatened to clobber me until she looked down and realised I was just some lost new kid.

I apologised a lot, and she just laughed, taking my schedule I was clutching, and dragging me with her to homeroom.

"Come on, I'll show you around. The Wolves like to pick on cute little things like you." She winked at me as we walked into the classroom.

I blushed but thanked her.

We spent homeroom and English class together, and Lisa invited me to have lunch with her and some of her friends.

They'd been other Bear Shifters, but they were nice girls named Natalie and Mika.

I tried to listen to their conversations, but I kept getting distracted by the tangle of scents in the air.

One of them became stronger, like it was closer than the others and I went to get up.

To follow it.

But before I could, the bell rang, and Lisa grabbed my arm, smiling.

"Come on, we're playing Seekers today!" She beamed at me, I almost whined as she pulled me away from the scent.

"I don't know what that means," I said finally as she dragged me into the changing rooms. "What's Seekers?"

"Didn't they have it at your last school?" She giggled.

I shook my head. "Humans." I lied.

She shrugged, rolling her dark brown eyes and smiled. "It's basically a Shifter version of hide and seek. All the girls hide across the campus; the males who tag the most by touch win."

I rose a brow, pulling on my shirt. "Touch?"

She chuckled, nodding and waiting for me. "To scent mark us when we go back to the field to be counted. Teachers can smell who tagged us."

I didn't really want to be touched.

I hadn't had great experiences with males touching me.

The girls grouped up first with the female sports teacher, a Coyote Shifter named Miss Greene.

We would be allowed to spread out and hide first before the guys would start searching in two minutes.

I spent a few seconds trying to think, a scent getting my attention in the direction of the track field.

Lisa suggested I hide in the forest near it, I was probably smelling the cute new 'bear of a teacher' would be around but shouldn't care about me hiding there.

If he was older, it explained why his scent was stronger.

The buzzer was sounded and we all ran in various directions.

I noticed I was the only one who went near the track field.

Worry flooded me but my senses heightened, and my Shifter, Annie, stirred within me as I picked up the smells.

Primal males.

Strong, powerful and fast.

I thought school would be boring! She giggled at me as I dove for a bush, hearing the sounds of heavy steps and inhaling come from beside me.

I stuck low, pressing my belly to the dirt on the dark blue tank top and shorts I was provided by the school this morning.

The scent on it was weird and musty, but it probably helped cover the natural smell the males would be using to track.

The wind picked up and I caught two scents, mixing and almost overpowering the third I'd been somewhat following.

They settled together, like a blend of scents that soothed my soul.

My heart skipped a beat, a noise of surprise and.....lust escaping me as Annie growled.

It can't be.

The sound of footsteps got closer, I knew I could stay hidden.

Make them chase us. Annie in a whisper.

I threw myself out of the bush, hearing snarls of surprise as I moved quickly and headed for the clearing of the track field just past the line of trees I hid in.

The third scent got stronger, making my head dizzy and I shivered.

All three were powerful, overpowering scents.

I held my breath and ran, hearing the almost soundless footsteps following beside me.

Moving faster, he turned and got ahead of me and we both slowed.

He was lean and agile, 6' and boy-next-door looks, his piercing blue eyes fixed intently on me as he came to a stop ahead of me.

I froze, my arms drawing up to my chest as we stared at each other.

His dark blonde hair was messy, and his sharp jawline was set in determination.

Annie growled, Wait.

He smirked, my heart thrashing in my chest as he moved, lunging for me.

Move. Annie giggled.

I dodged, spinning around him and giggled with her as his hand ran across my stomach; a jolt of electricity ran through my body that almost made me lose my footing as I continued to run.

Another strong scent and a hand grabbed my waist as I ran into the track and soccer field, stepping in front of me to stop me between trees I was just small enough to slip through.

I squeaked at him as his hand ran to my waist.

A muscular build, 6'2 and bright green eyes made my heart race.

Black short, spiky hair and chiselled features made him look like a model.

The blonde pinned behind me.

Annie whined, lustful and demanding, Mate.

W-which one? I panicked as their hands grabbed my waist and hips, I shivered.

In a panic, I dropped and slipped from their grip, ducking between the black-haired ones' legs and running, both of them snarling as I headed for the track building.

Annie giggled, boosting my speed out of their reach and I shouldered open the door of the building, finding it lined with rooms.

Hide. Annie giggled again.

Why are you so-

In a panic, I went to the first door I found and threw it open, stopping suddenly when the scent from the room hit me.

A man rose from the chair behind the desk, knocking them both as he turned on me.

6'5" with thick muscles, hazel eyes and a handsome face strong face stared down at me.

They're.... here. Annie breathed, making me falter.

They're? Annie didn't answer as the large man spoke.

"Hello, little one." He snarled with a smirk, suddenly in front of me, a hand wrapped around my waist as he lifted me with ease into the room, kicking the door closed as he spun me and placed me on the desk.

His fists pressed against it on either side of my legs; his height made him bend over me, making me crane my neck back just to look up at him.

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-" I fell silent when he leaned in closer, inhaling my scent.

"Are you hiding from those who tagged you?" His smirk was teasing and kind, his hand reached up, cupping my cheek.

It was so big he practically cradled the side of my head, his fingers stroking through my hair.

His hand was so warm, his touch so comforting and it set my skin alight with sparks and need.

His thumb ran across my cheek and my eyes closed.

I purred at the feeling.

A deep growl left his throat at my action, my eyes opening as I squeaked as the door opened in force.

I jumped, whining in fear at the noise, the large man wrapping me in his arms.

"You're okay." He promised. "They're friends."

He waited until I nodded against him before he let me go, taking a step back and crouching.

My eyes met the blue and green of the Shifters who had tagged me.

Their scents filled the room, mixing and forming.

Mates! Annie whined in relief at the sight and smell of them.

"Mates?" I breathed in question.

They smiled at me and my breath caught.

I scrambled backwards, my leg kicking out and I hit the large one crouched in front of me in the face.

He blinked, taking the hit and didn't move.

I squeaked in terror, curling into a ball and covering myself with my arms.

Fear rattled me, a worry he'd react violently at any moment.

"I'm sorry!" I whispered, tears shaking my voice.

A hand grabbed my arm and I flinched, raising my head at the gentle touch, the large hand caressing my forearm in a soothing rub.

"It's okay," he ducked his head to meet my eyes, seeing I was crying. "Oh, sweet little mate." He pulled my arms free and leaned, wrapping my arms around his shoulders and pulled me into a hug.

"It was an accident, it's alright." He soothed me, rubbing my back and kissed my shoulder.

I felt so safe.

"What's your name?" One of them asked behind the man who held me, his voice low and curious.

I raised my head, meeting the emerald eyes. He frowned, stepping forward and I froze.

His hands cupped my cheeks, his thumbs swiping across them to wipe my tears away.

He held me there, raising a brow when I didn't answer, lost to the warmth and gentleness of his touch.

"Rose....my name is Rose," I said finally, my voice low and submissive.

"I'm Dane." He smirked at me, stroking my cheeks again and leaned in, pressing a kiss to my lips.

I locked up for a second in fear, but the moment his skin touched mine.

I was lost to the command and care that exuded from his touch. Sparks, tingles and desire shook me, but I held myself in place.

Trust them. Annie soothed. I trust them, Rose.

That was all I needed.

I pushed a little against his lips, hesitant and unsure but wanting.

Dane smiled at my reaction, pressing a harder kiss and a small whimper escaped me.

He pulled back, looking across my face at my dazed expression and smirked, like he was pleased with the reaction he'd caused.

I blushed.

My large mate around my waist leaned back, raising to his feet to stand between Dane and my blonde mate.

I blushed a little at my own possessive thoughts.

"This is Xavier and Theo." Dane pointed to my- the large one and then the blonde.

"We're your mates, Rose." Theo smiled, stepped towards me and grabbed my hand gently, pulling me off the table and into his arms. My heart faltered and fluttered at his words.

They found us. Annie sighed, sounding like she wanted to cry.

I didn't understand, but I also wasn't sure I cared.

I had mates. I...I was safe.

Theo held me against him, looking down at me with such sweetness it shattered my heart.

"Can I kiss you?" He stroked my hair, pulling it from my ponytail to run his hands through it, making a small growl in pleasure as my head tilted.

I couldn't stop myself from reaching up on my toes to press my lips to his.

His kiss was different.

Effortlessly soft and kind, he held me gently like I'd break under his touch.

He pulled back slowly like he didn't want to end the kiss.

His nose brushed mine, I blinked, realising he was nuzzling me.

I leaned in and nuzzled him back, a small purr escaping my lips as our foreheads rubbed.

I heard Dane and Xavier chuckle softly.

I blushed at them when Theo stepped back to them.

"Such a pretty little mate." Xavier smiled down at me, reddening my chest. His eyes scanned my body, seeing my braless chest beneath my shirt, his brows tightened a fraction.

Before he could say anything, the buzzer for the end of class rang.

My eyes widened. "Oh! I was supposed to go back when I got tagged!" I remembered, stepping forward to run from the room.

I squeaked in surprise, thinking Xavier was stepping aside, only for his massive arm to hook around my waist and I was suddenly on his shoulder.

"No, you don't." He chuckled, slapping my rear playfully.

"Hey!" I giggled in protest, fisting the back of his shirt and pushing up to look at Theo and Dane as they followed, smiling.

"Aren't we meant to go back to class?" I asked after realising we'd turned away from the forest line back to the school grounds and headed for the parking lot that was attached to the sports field.

Xavier chuckled below me, his hand on my ass. "I'll write you a note."

I scowled at the back of his head in confusion. "What does that mean?" When he ignored me, I lent down and slapped his muscular ass cheek, almost yelping from pain as my hand stung.

He laughed, jostling me on his shoulder to make me squeak and giggle.

Dane answered, "Means we want some time with our Rosie."

I raised a brow at him. "So, we're just skipping school?" I paled a little at the thought of guardians finding out.

Theo chuckled, the noise calming me. "We're allowed to." That was all he said.

The world tilted and I was on the hood of a big four-wheel drive.

I took a moment to battle the dizziness while they shuffled around, and I squeaked when the car started; Dane smirked at me from the front seat, amused by my reaction.

I stuck my tongue at him. "Meanie."

His laugh was muffled by the sound of the radio he turned down as Theo came to stand in front of me.

"You're ours, sweetheart. Let us keep you close and spend some time with you." Theo said, smiling as he held his arms out for me.

I smiled back, nodding. "Okay," I agreed and reached for him, letting him pull me down and carry me into the backseat. I moved to sit, and Xavier's arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me in, making me giggle as his fingers on my ribs tickled while Theo climbed in beside me.

Dane turned the music down, a soft orchestral song playing gently as he moved to look back at me. "Did you want to go to your house first?" He asked, a small smile on his lips.

I shook my head, pushing down on the panic at the thought of going there.

With them.

My past and my guardians weren't something they'd agree with.

Annie told me that much, submitting and giving into them easily.

She understood the men the Goddess had chosen as my mates were nothing like those I'd come across before.

Their brutality wasn't aimed at the weak.

It was to those who harmed them.

I saw his eyes tighten as I tried to smile. "I'd rather spend the day with you." I blushed a little. "If that's okay?"

Dane smirked. "Of course. You never have to leave us again, baby." A smile broke on me at his words as he started to drive.

They would let us...

Be free, Rose. They are ours. Annie soothed, calming the storm of years of fear and violence that had raged inside of me from the hands of my own Pack.

This is our Pack. Annie growled at me.

I faltered, but the feels of them, the smell.

She was right.

I shuffled back between Theo and Xavier, somewhat nervously.

"You okay, Rosie?" Dane asked, a small smile forming on my lips at the name.

I nodded. "Where are we going?"

"Home." He answered simply.

The warmth and smell in the car filled my head, and the feeling of safety, a wave of tiredness overtook me.

I yawned, stretched and apologised.

Theo chuckled, wrapping his arm over me and pulling me against him, kissing my temple. Xavier touched my leg, my hand moving to take it, and he gave a small smile as I looked up at him through heavy eyelids, making sure it was okay.

He squeezed my hand.

"Tired, baby?" Theo asked in my ear, kissing my cheek.

I nodded. "I don't know why, I was fine earlier."

Xavier let go of my hand and grabbed my ankles, pulling them onto his lap.

Before I could protest, he was taking off my ratty shoes. I felt his hesitation as he looked at them, just as he had my braless torso.

Worry and confusion.

A yawn from me pulled his attention away, dropping the shoes.

I tried to stretch, but Theo held me to his chest, wrapping his arms under mine and nuzzling my neck; I giggled and pressed into him.

No one had ever nuzzled me before, it felt so loving and sweet.

I suppressed another yawn, making a noise of annoyance. "Why am I so tired?" I grumbled into Theo's neck.

Dane chuckled and I raised my head to see him smiling at me through the mirror. "It's common for you and your Shifter..."

"Annie," I offered when he hesitated.

They all smiled.

"It's common for you and Annie to be tired from the excitement of the bond," Dane explained. "So, get some sleep and we'll talk more when you wake up, okay?" His green eyes met mine in the rear vision.

"I have to go back to my-." I couldn't stop the edge of panic in my voice, or find a word to call the place of my fears and nightmares.

They all shared a look of tension.

"You're coming home, Rose. With us." Dane didn't leave room for argument.

At least, none I would consider using.

He called it home.

The way he looked at me before he turned to focus on the road.

Like he intended for me to never go back to that place.

I nodded finally, moving and laying across Xavier and Theo, both of them smiling as I got comfortable.

Xavier leaned down to kiss my exposed stomach.

I giggled, rolling slightly and trying to cover it with my arms but his hand fell over it, his fingers stroking the skin softly in lazy patterns across my stomach, resting his forearm on my hip.

Theo put a rolled-up jumper that smelt of him under my head on his lap, stroking my hair as I laid with my back to him, partially hugging his leg.

"Thank you," I mumbled.

He leaned down, kissing my hair at the same time Xavier kissed my shoulder.

"Sleep, our little mate." I'm not sure which one said it, maybe it was all of them.

Either way, I hummed, my heart soaring. "My mates," I whispered back to them before I fell asleep, Annie purring and dreaming soundly for the first time since we'd joined.

The nightmares that had plagued me the last few weeks were dulled.

A warmth keeps them from forming properly.

Something in my veins burned for a moment, like a flash of heat and a coolness washed through me.

I shivered, feeling someone pull something up, covering me in something to cover me before I was pulled against a strong and warm chest, arms bounding around me in protection and love.

The warmth returned, the nightmares of another receding until the form of three, clouded in shadows, stood over me.

Protecting me.

My loves. Annie and I sighed at them, returning to a peaceful sleep in one of their arms.