My Perfect Mate

Protect Them at All Costs

As we hit the edge of the tree line, I could see Gavin pacing in the window of our bedroom. Conner stepped to the other side, blocking me from sight. He led me inside and up to the guest wing without being detected. Matt and Alex were waiting for us on the other side of the door. 

“God Stella, don’t f*****g do that every again.” Matt stepped forward and wrapped me in a hug. He pulled back from me, “Are you alright?” I nodded my head as he checked my body for scratches and bruises.

 “I’m fine, just really tired.” It was almost midnight, I was exhausted. Once Matt released me, Alex stepped forward and pulled me to his chest, “why don’t you get some rest, tomorrow’s a new day.” I gave him a shy smile. Conner finished locking the door, “I’ll grab you some water and then off to bed.”

I couldn’t sleep, I was restless. I kept tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable. Scarlet was already fast asleep. I wanted to go down to the kitchen and grab a snack, but I didn’t want to risk running into Gavin. My whole day was flipped upside down in a matter of hours. I willed myself to sleep, I took a couple deep breaths and finally drifted off.

I was standing in the middle of the woods. I was completely naked, I must have just shifted back. I was covered in dried blood. I turned around and surveyed the tree line, it looked like I was alone. When I tried to take a step my feet wouldn't move. It was like my feet were bolted to the ground. I heard a twig snap in the near distance away. I tried with all my might to shift, but Scarlet was no where to be found. I reached down and tried to pull my feet free from the mud but I wouldn't budge. I started hyperventilating, what the f**k was going on. I shot my head up when I heard some growling coming from the trees. I caught a glimpse of a pair of bright red eyes. They were burning into my skin, I felt exposed and vulnerable. I felt my heart race as I thought of the possibility of my inevitable death. I was petrified, I wanted Gavin. It was in this moment that I really did need his protection. I tried to scream but nothing came out, suddenly I lost my hearing. I could see this lone wolf step out before the others. He licked his lips, this was it, I was going to die here. I was naked alone in the woods. Was this my subconscious reminding me how stupid I had been the last couple days. I willed myself to wake, but no relief would come. I tried screaming again, as loud as I could. I crouched low to the ground as a wolf pounced at me. 

I flew up out of bed, I threw my hands on my body to make sure that I was in tact. When I finally calmed my mind I noticed Conner standing by the door. "Jesus Christ Stell, do you realize how much you freaked me out just now? You were screaming bloody murder in your sleep, I literally thought you were dying.” I sat up in bed and pressed my palms into my eyes. I begged my muscles to wake. "that's because I thought I was." Conner came over to the bed and sat next to me. He pulled me into my arms and tried to soothe me, "It's alright Stella, it was just a nightmare. You safe, we're all here to protect you, nothing is going to happen to you." I looked up at my big brother, I was so grateful to have him. He kissed my forehead, "come on, we got to get going, we have to be in Opal moon by 10." I nodded at Conner, he got up from the bed and walked towards the door. 

“What do you want me to tell Gavin? He won’t leave me alone, he needs to see you. He’s been waiting in the hallway since 6 this morning, he refuses to leave.” I rolled my eyes,

“Fine, I have to deal with this, he is my mate after all, I’m literally bound to him.” I looked down at my mark and was shocked to discover that it was now bright red instead of the fleshy pink scar that it usually is. I flung the covers off of me and slipped into my flip flops. “Will you stay close to me please?” Conner gave me a quick nod, “What ever you need Stells.” I took a deep breath before heading out into the hallway to face my “mate.”

Gavin was pacing so much, I thought that there would be a hole in the floor by now. He lit up when he saw me, “Oh my god, Stella!” he rushed over but Conner stepped in front of me. “Stella please talk to me. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean any of it. I would never intentionally hurt you. Please, I need you baby, I can’t live without you.” Gavin kept rambling on and on about how sorry he is and how he will do anything to make it up to me. I tapped Conner on the shoulder, “I’m okay bro, you can step aside.” Conner stepped to the back so I could look at Gavin. He looked like s**t, “Did you even sleep last night?” I knew the answer to that question. “Can we go somewhere and talk?” he was pleading.

I crossed my arms, “actually, we should head out to Opal. We need to assess the situation that they are in.” I tried to walk passed him but he stepped in front of me, “Stella please talk to me.” I looked up at him, “We can talk, but not right now. Right now there is a village that needs our help. You asked me to be your Luna, then let me do my job. Our “mate” situation,” yes I really did the air quotes, just to add insult to injury. “can wait. These people are depending on us, I have already slept in too late as it is. I want to go out there and be useful.” I closed my eyes and took a calming breath, “Now, I am going to head downstairs and eat something quick. I want to leave here in 20 minutes.” I looked back at Conner, “Will you get Matt and Alex up and moving?” Conner nodded his head as I turned back towards the door and pushed passed Gavin, leaving him there in the door way.

I climbed into the driver’s side of my Jeep, Alex came over with a puzzled expression. I looked him up and down, “It is my car, I am driving.” I said in a no nonsense voice. Alex was taken aback by my attitude. “Yes ma’am.” I closed my eyes and cursed at myself.

What the f**k is the matter with you? Alex didn’t do anything.

I know, I know. I just feel so broken right now.

Well, get your s**t together, we have warriors to train. Scarlet scolded me.

Matt decided that he wanted to drive himself so I suggested he take Gavin in his truck along with Kevin, I just couldn’t be around him right now. Once Conner and Alex were settled, I plugged the address into my GPS and we headed out. The drive was just under and hour. Normally I would be blasting music and singing at the top of my lungs, I just couldn’t do it today. We sat in silence for most of the trip, Conner couldn’t take it anymore, “Stella? Are you alright?” he placed his hand on my shoulder from the passenger seat.

I shook my head, “No Conner, I’m not. I honestly don’t know where to go from here. I am so incredibly heart broken. The man that I am destined to be with, blamed me for the death of a 12 year old boy. He blamed it on the fact that he was distracted by mating me and because of that, an innocent soul fell through the cracks. He decided to deflect the pain and tragedy onto the one person that was trying to help. I tried so hard to support him and help him sort through everything going on inside his head. Instead of thanking me, he blames me for the whole damn thing! I am absolutely devastated about what happened, but as much as we hope and pray, it will not bring that poor innocent boy back. What we can do, is move forward and make sure that something like this never happens again.” I realized I was yelling by the time I finished telling the story. They both shut their mouths tight and none of us spoke the whole rest of the way.

We had finally reached Opal Moon Pack. As I turned down the dirt road, something seemed off. There was a strange odor in the air. It wasn’t a typical wolf smell, it was mixed with something else, something foreign. I could tell that Conner and Alex could smell what I did. They were on full alert, both their eyes were blacked out. I linked them,

Alright guys just relax, we’re almost there.

I don’t know Stells, something doesn’t seem right. We might be too late… Conner trailed off.

Conner’s right, I have a bad feeling about this.

I shifted into 5th gear and floored it, spinning my wheels and leaving the dust floating, coating Matt’s truck behind us. I got a link, it was Matt

Thanks a lot Stells, what the hell has gotten into you?

There’s no time to explain, something doesn’t seem right, we have to get there… now!

I heard Matt’s F 350 rev behind me and I knew that he was ready to go. We took off down the narrow strip of side road, our cars bounding and bouncing over pots and roots that were stuck up from the ground. As we got closer, that’s when we all heard it.

Hallowed screams filled the air, as we drew closer and closer. I was easily going 100 miles an hour and it still felt like I wasn’t going fast enough.

We pulled up to the village spinning our tires. Conner, Alex, Gavin, and Kevin all jumped out before I put it in park. Matt and I quickly killed the engines and shifted as we ran after the four of them. I put my nose to the air to see if I the smell was getting stronger. It was the most putrid smell that I have ever encountered. It was like vinegar and very foul body odor, I pushed through my gag reflex and dug into the ground to will Scarlet to go faster. Pure adrenaline was coursing through my body and I could hear my heart beat in my ears.

We all split up in different directions so we could cover more ground. I saw a middle aged women standing in the center of the village screaming at the top of her lungs, she was clutching her daughter to her legs as she was pointed at the woods in front of us. I needed her to calm down, I needed answers. I pressed my forehead against hers and scanned through her memories. Once I pressed my forehead against hers she calmed down a bit and closed her eyes. Her voice came through first,

Please please find my boy. They took him!

Who took him?

I’m not sure who they were, they weren’t like any wolf I’ve seen before. There was something off about them.

What do they look like?

I didn’t get a good look but I saw that one of them had bright red eyes. I’ll never forget about them, they will haunt my nightmares for the rest of my life.

Okay, listen to me. I think I know what’s going on. Round up as many children as you can and get everyone inside and stay quiet, my brothers and I will handle this. Now Go!

She grabbed her daughter’s hand and took off further into the village. Once she was out of sight I tilted my head back to try and locate the scent. This time I got an overwhelming smell of blood, I turned on a dime and took off after my brothers.

I wasn’t too far in to the forest when I saw a something that I will never forget. Chaos was all around me, I was able to pick out my favorite men through all the fighting. The rest was all blurry, there were dozens of Rogues attacking them. It looked like we were winning though, I saw several dead rogues laying lifeless on the dirt that surrounded them. It was overwhelming, it was way more than 5 this time. I saw Conner first, he was being pinned down by a dirty gray wolf. The Rouge was snapping at Conner’s neck. I saw red and took off towards them. I leaped and went shoulder first into the Rogue’s mid section, knocking us both to the ground. I had the element of surprise so ripping his throat out was even easier than usual. I whipped around and looked at Conner,

Stella, they took a 15 year old boy this time. Find him! We’ve got this covered. Link me back when you have him.

I nodded my head and took off further into the woods. I knew how my brothers could fight, they would be perfectly fine without me. I shook off my worry for them and focused on my own senses. I intensified my hearing abilities. I heard some muffled screaming about 8 or 9 miles away. Scarlet was already up and alert, she howled in my head.

We’re getting closer Stella, I can smell the blood.

Let’s push it Scarlet, this boy’s life depends on us.

I leaped over a fallen tree into yet another clearing. It fell quiet around me, I zeroed in on a twig snapping a few yards from me.

Stay calm Stella, we don’t know how many there are here. We need to assess the situation before we freak.

Suddenly my premonition from this morning was becoming a reality. The most pungent smell hit my senses, my eyes started to water. I needed to block it out somehow, otherwise I wasn’t going to be able to focus on saving the boy. Out of the treeline stepped at least 10 Rogues. I was surrounded, it would be so easy for them to take me out in one swing. I took a small step closer to the center and turned slowly, glancing at each one of them. I was trying to memorize their distinct features, eye color, fur color, anything that would stick to my memory.

I let out a loud growl, but I knew that that wasn’t going to stop them from advancing me. I was ready to kick some major ass when I heard a sharp whistle that stopped them in their tracks. I followed their gaze to a sharply dressed, slender man. He had glowing red eyes while the rest of his wolves had bright yellow. The scent of blood hit my nostrils once more and I scanned behind him to find the boy tied up on the ground with a bloody nose and a broken eye socket. I let out a loud howl and linked Conner.

Guys I found him! He’s surrounded by at least 10 rogues, I need some back up if you have the time.

Just finished up Stells, we’re heading your way.

I focused on this guys smell, yup that was it. The human pile of garbage.

The smelly dude stepped further into the circle with his hands up to signified the halt of battle, “Gentleman, this in no way to treat your Luna.”

Excuse me! Boy you got me f****d up.

“I’ve waited a very long time for you my dear. My name is Thomas, your new mate.”

I wanted to puke. What the f**k is this guy talking about?

“I have been watching over you Stella, you are so breathtakingly beautiful. I knew that I needed to have you.” He took another step towards me, my hair stood up. “When I saw that you were marked, it infuriated me. I knew that I had to be creative to get my hands on you. That’s why I used these children to draw you in.”

YOU SICK BASTARD! Who kills children for sport?

“And now that you’re here, I never intend on letting you from my grasp.” I felt my brother’s presence behind me.

We’re here Stells, hang tight we’ll get you out of here.

“Oh, I see we have company. Come on out boys, come join us!” he called into the trees.

Gavin was the first one by my side, he stepped in front of me in a protective stance. I shot him a sideways glance before I linked him.

You were right, he was doing this for me. This is all my fault.

What are you talking about?

I couldn’t answer him, I was too ashamed that these children were being taken because of me. I bowed my head in the direction of Thomas. If it would save future children from this same fate, I would do anything in my power to save this village.

Gavin, I have to go with him. He abducted these children as a way to draw me out. He doesn’t want them, he wants me.

Gavin stood up a little straighter and then glared at Thomas. He let out a loud growl which didn’t seem to phase Thomas.

“Stella, why are playing hard to get. Come with me now and they can have the boy. It’s a simple trade my love. Now why don’t you shift back so I can see that gorgeous body of yours.”

Gavin took another step forward, blocking me from his sight line. Thomas just laughed at Gavin’s reaction.

“Gavin, you don’t know her at all do you. She would do anything she could to save the lives of others. She knows that if she doesn’t come with me now, the boy will die. Don’t be stupid, I have won. I will ravish her body and make her forget all about you.”

My brothers stepped forward into the circle and let out a protective growl in unison. I knew for a fact that they would not let me go without a fight. I was flanked by my brothers and Kevin, two of them stood on either side of me.

Thomas seemed to be getting more and more annoyed. “Stella honey, I’m starting to get irritated. Come with me now and I will leave your brothers and this village alone. Once I have what I want there is no sense in causing them anymore harm.” When Thomas saw that none of them were planning on conceding, he pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. “Listen boys, if you don’t give me what I want, I will have to take it by force.” He then looked directly at me, “I always knew that you would be a handful.” He shook his finger at me with a smirk painted on his face. He then addressed his army, “Kill them, and bring me my Luna.” With a wave of his hand the circle of wolves stepped towards us, the boys tightened their circle around me.

Gavin: Stella, we won’t let them take you. I will die before that happens.

Well if you guys die, he’s going to take me anyway. Just let me go with him, it will save all of our lives.

Conner: It’s out of the question Stella, I swore to dad that I would protect you at all costs.

Matt: You are not going anywhere with him.

There was a calm before the storm, then suddenly there were wolves flying through the air above me. I scanned the treeline, I didn’t see Thomas but I saw the boy laying there helpless, I knew I had to save him. While the rest of them were distracted, I slipped away and snuck over to the boy. I glanced over my shoulder and noticed that my men were far better and faster than Thomas’s pack. There was more of their blood on the ground than ours. Perfect, if I could only get the boy we would be home free. I heard a loud howl behind me, I knew it was Gavin. He was hurt, I could feel it in my chest. My upper right shoulder started to burn. I was so close to the boy, I had to keep going. There was still no sign of Thomas, I’m sure that he thought he was going to win this, so why stick around, right?

Dumb ass.

When I finally reached the boy, I hooked my teeth under the ropes that held him bound and shred them to ribbons. I pushed my nose to his cheek and signaled him to hop onto my back. He climbed on quickly and grabbed hold of my fur and I sprinted across the field and headed back towards the village.

Guys, I got him! Finish up and meet me at the village. I’m going to round up as many people I can and bring them back with us. It’s not safe here anymore.

Conner: 10-4 Stells. Were on our way back to you.

I reached the village in no time. I felt the boy slide off my back. I pushed my forehead to his,

Gather as many people as you can and get them here as soon as possible.We don’t have time, 10 minutes max.

The boy nodded and sprinted into the village. I need to shift if I am going to talk to all of these people. I took off towards the truck for a change of clothes.

By the time I returned there was a large throng that gathered in the center. My boys weren’t back yet, I knew that they were close. I could feel my body tingle, they were about 3 minutes away. I made my way through the crowd and stood up on the edge of an old fountain. I whistled to get their attention. “Hello everyone, we don’t have much time. I need you all to gather your families and follow us back to our pack. You are all in danger, we need to leave now. I am the Luna of a Warrior pack about an hour away, you will be safe with us! Do this quickly and quietly. If you do not have a way of transportation we have extra room in our vehicles. Now go!” they all scattered as the boys returned. They were in human form and Conner was carrying a very bloody Gavin over his shoulder. I rushed over, “What the f**k happened?” I followed Conner back to the truck, “we were doing just fine taking those fuckers out until Gavin was hit from the side and his shoulder was almost ripped out of his socket. It’s already healing so we need to set it and fast. Now that we see that you are alive, there’s no time like the present.” Conner laid Gavin in the bed of the truck and signaled from the guys to come over so they could set his shoulder. Conner looked down at me, “You may not want to watch this Stells.” Good thing Gavin had passed out from the pain, I know that he wouldn’t want to feel this. 

I left the guys to it and ran back towards the village to help the stranglers that were left behind. I was helping a young mother with her three kids when I heard Gavin scream. I grabbed my chest, the pain was unreal, it was nothing that I had ever felt before. I sunk to the ground screaming, I couldn’t see anything through the haze that covered my eyes. I suddenly lost the feeling in my limbs, then my hearing went. This was more than just a mate bond. Someone was taking over my body, and then I heard his voice. It sent chills down my spine. And I tried to hard to pull myself out of it, I couldn’t even get in touch with Scarlet. I was on the ground writhing in pain.

I told you that people would get hurt. I don’t enjoy hurting you my love, but you left me no choice. You need to punished and this isn’t even the start of what you can expect. You think that you can protect all these people? I will find you, I have the key to your beautiful mind. I can come and go as I please, you will be mine soon enough. When I to find you, I will f**k you  relentlessly. You will wish for death to take you, playtime is over sweetie. I’m coming and there’s nothing you can do to stop you.

He was gone. My sensations were slowly returning, I felt Alex’s arms wrapped around me. He scooped me up and ran over to Matt’s truck. Alex laid me next to Gavin before climbing in after me. He tapped the side of the truck and we sped off towards home with hundreds of other cars following us. I tried grabbing for Alex’s arm, I needed to tell him we couldn’t take them to Silver Moon. We had to find another place for them. I tried with all of my might to form words, I had to tell him something that would clue him in. He grabbed my hand and looked into my eyes before the darkness took me.

Fuck! We’re all in trouble because of me. I have to protect these people, no matter the cost.