Wolf Party

By Alice Sweet

Welcome to the Party...

Dean, a handsome male, betrothed to a fetching female, with whom he has absolutely no interest, quickly, makes a rash decision to change his fate, by bringing in yet another to the pack.

Meanwhile, the powerful leader, the Alpha, immediately finds himself drawn to an unlikely female, a new blood with a wild streak, who is constantly finding trouble. Temptations mounting, and danger looming, the Alpha must deny his own feelings and stay focused on the pack.

Aubry is a lovely human, who mistakenly, draws the gaze of these creatures of myth, and is swiftly swept away by them. Frightening as they appear, she discovers who the real monsters are, as hunters arrive, and begin wiping everything from their paths. Now, with danger on her tail, she must learn to navigate and survive, among the deadliest animals on the planet, werewolves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alice Sweet
• Release date: Sep 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301004713

Alice Sweet

Alice began writing as a hobby, short stories and poetry mostly, inspired by reading a myriad of authors. Eventually she found her own niche and moved on to writing full length manuscripts. Currently, Alice writes and lives in Maryland with her three wonderful children, and her loving husband Jeffrey.

Book preview

Wolf Party

By Alice Sweet

Copyright 2012Alice Schneider

Smashwords Edition

Discover other titles by Alice Sweet at Smashwords.com or alicesweet.com

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This e-Book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-Book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

I would like to dedicate this book to my loving family; their continued support has made all the difference.

Table of Contents

Preface

Guest

The Edge

Change

Night

Ball

Discovered

Challenge

New Family

Blood

Married Life

Cuts

The Island

The Hunt

Strong Spirits

Day Two

Choices

Dead

Surrounded

Information

Alive

The Harvest

New Hunt

The Heat

Fight

Garrett

Children

Birth

Dinner

Tests

Clean up

Preface

Smoke billowed into the cool night air, tainting the skies with its sickly haze before shifting unexpectedly to assault onlookers. Its target, soot covered soldiers, bravely facing the blaze, steadfast, while the fire consumed the building. They wordlessly surrounded the perimeter at dusk, to ensure that no runners emerged from the flames, while, the second team began their sweeps of the area. Searching for hidden bunkers commonly used by… them.

It took them countless hours to track them here, to this place, in the middle of nowhere, nothing around for miles but bugs and trees. Even the men, eyes stinging from the continued onslaught of smoke, were uncertain if they had caught all of the demons within, but they were not going anywhere, until the count had been done. Smoldering ashes and bones… all that they would have to go on this time. This house had been so heavily fortified that they were forced to burn it to the ground rather than attempt close quarters with the beasts.

Thankfully, the woman’s screams had finally died out inside, and the blessed silence eased the men’s frayed nerves. Since it was becoming more difficult to find them as of late, when they did, well, fate did not always afford them the comfort of a quick death. War was hell, as they all knew, and losses were to be expected, but the fighting could not cease. Not until every one of these stinking creatures was turned to dust.

Their adversary had become increasingly clever as of late, hiding in plain sight along side humans. This was particularly disturbing for the men, as they were already at a disadvantage; the creatures were stronger, faster, and able to infect any who was foolish enough to get close to them. Yet the work still must be done else they would have an epidemic on their hands, one that man kind would not likely survive.

Suddenly, as if on cue, the male who had mistakenly led them to this den, magically appeared in the clearing ahead, taking in the scene before him… stunned. They had obviously done their jobs well this time, catching the creatures completely unaware, as planned. When the shots rang out, barely whizzing past him he did not hide his fear. He turned sprinting back into the woods without hesitation.

The soldiers gave chase, running through the tall grasses, while others quickly followed on all-terrain vehicles, swiftly pinning the man on foot down. Once surrounded, he turned dropping to his knees immediately, I will give you anything that you want. You do not have to do this; I am a very rich man. I will give you whatever you want. The man holding the gun to his head hesitated as the trapped man continued. Please, do not kill me; you all work for Mr. Alfonso right? God, I knew that I shouldn’t have messed with the mob.

The man holding the firearm glanced up at one of the others, and made a hand gesture to make a call to control. Meanwhile, the man continued to sob and rant desperately, Listen, please god, listen. I am just a banker; tell Mr. Alfonso that I will give him back the money I took. Please, every cent, I promise, no, better, with interest!

The man with the gun asked then ignoring his words, Where is your ring?

The man replied frantically, shaking severely now, Ring? What ring? I don’t have a ring, see! Then the man showed him his trembling wrinkled hands, My wife is having my wedding band resized; I got too fat for the band...see. Oh god, my wife, is she alright? There was no answer and he began to weep uncontrollably, Please tell me they are alright. Unable to wait any longer he suddenly he began to call out desperately, Carol; girls are you all right, please answer me!

The man behind the gun lowered it then and stepped backwards his chest tightening. The captured man’s words finally began to cause doubt… and the others shifted uncomfortably with the possibility of their mistake. The man with the gun announced after a few moments hesitation, Tell them there is a problem.

Another man cursed, and made a call. After a few heated words on the phone, he replied, He said to do a silver check just to be sure.

Another man pulled a silver chain out of his pocket and held it to the man’s cheek and then his sweat covered neck… nothing happened. The man continued to shake and weep, and fell to the ground, vomiting on to the man’s boots. The man stepped back in disgust, cursing and dropped the chain into the puddle of vomit in the process, announcing, Let’s go. The others turned and began to retreat when a sizzling sound stopped one of them. He turned back to see the chain smoldering, in the mess that the man had just made, and gasped.

The shaking man’s eyes opened, changed now, cold and calculating. In an instant, he leapt at the one holding the gun, spilling his blood before he could even blink. Moments later, the men back at the house heard a horrifying growl just before the familiar sounds of gunshots sent birds scattering from the trees high above their heads. The creature was out numbered, twenty to one, falling in a matter of minutes, still managing to kill several of the men in the process. When it was finally finished, one of the men, furthest from the action, reviewed the footage to determine if anyone was contaminated.

At the same moment, the leader of team two slowly rose to his feet, kicking the corpse at his feet in disgust. The beast had leapt at him almost taking his head off in the end, desperate for escape. Had he not been faster, the creature would have done just that, he had seen it in the past.

When he turned around, however, all of his men were pointing guns at his head. He huffed disbelieving them, What. He did not get me.

One of them said trembling then, Hank check your back.

Hank slowly reached up and felt the wet spot on his back, arguing in disbelief, It could be anything; I fell backwards on to something sharp maybe. Then he began looking for the possible culprit in the tall grasses surrounding them.

Another man replied pointing at the corpse, Yes. It’s mouth.

Hank touched the wound and felt it beginning to radiate heat, snapping in frustration, How do you know? The man holding the screen tossed it to him, letting him review the footage as the others watched...cautiously. Hank rewound it over and over again, as his deepest fear had become reality, and a tear slowly ran down his cheek.

Desperate contemplation soon followed, his eyes darting about as he ran through multiple scenarios all of which ended with the same frightening ending. He clenched his jaw for a long moment finally coming to a decision.

His legs felt weak under him, undoubtedly the first symptoms of the change taking its toll on his body, and he dropped to his knees, knowing what would come next. His eyes clouded over with pernicious resolution, before he declared, End me. The men stood absolutely still, eyeing the man whom they had followed for years in this endless crusade.

We will take you to the hospital. They might be able to help you. One of them offered humanly.

Hank shook his head determination setting in his jaw, You know they can’t do a damn thing Trevor. Trevor nodded at him and then to another, who stepped closer, cocking his pistol, his hand shaking so severely that he had to use both to steady his aim. Hank closed his eyes and after a long tense pause, the man cursed, lowering his weapon unable to comply with his leader’s last command, I am sorry...I can’t.

Hank’s head drooped in defeat pleading, Please. Just then, the second group’s commander pushed his way through the group, returning from his rounds.

What is going on here?

The man next to him responded hoarsely, Infected.

He saw the others nodding, fear in their eyes, and without hesitation, he called to the wounded man, Hank. He looked up, and a shot pierced his skull sending him flying backwards violently. The second’s gun was still smoldering in the cool night’s air as he instructed, Burn them both.

Guest

The massive front gates opened, revealing a long winding driveway that led to a towering estate, in the distance. Aubry drove slowly down the driveway, trying to calm her frayed nerves, finally parking in the sea of cars on the side of the home. As she stepped out into the warm California air, she smiled taking it all in. The home was impressive, its lush manicured lawn and immaculately lined rows of flowering shrubbery trimmed the house beautifully. In the background, a crescent moon was visible providing a light for this picture-perfect image of grandeur.

Aubry quickly spotted the swing set in the back corner of the property, highlighted by a familiar aquatic glow coming from a swimming pool behind the house. Instead of turning her attention to the glow however she frowned at the state of the swings, covered in fallen leaves and grime, unused and unloved. It suggested a discarded youthful merriment that made her heart hurt to see. She straightened her dress, pushing it from her mind and took a cleansing breath before heading up to the front walk.

As she came closer, an odd pair walked out of the front door, an older woman perhaps seventy and her young twenty something boy toy. Aubry raised her eyebrow noting that a few feet behind them the opposite end of the spectrum exited, two youthful women hanging on an elderly gentleman. She shook her head and thought to herself, twenty minutes, and then I am out. As she stepped up to the front door, it opened again and another couple left, providing her with the opportunity to slipped inside unnoticed.

Once there, she made her way through the crowded space and followed her nose to the kitchen, which had a table filled with mounds of food. She took a plate and began filling it up, eyeing the guests, all talking in their various cliques, all happily enjoying the festivities, of the evening.

A few moments later, a group of women entered, and the mood darkened, as venomous eyes cut down passing rivals. Snide remarks filling the air as she caught the name that one of the others whispered, No, she’s not Terrin. Immediately she could feel the increased hostility vibe in the room. These people were definitely a different sort than she was accustomed to, and it was startling. Aubry backed out of the room slowly sensing the unseen danger and located a safe space to set up camp a good distance from the tension.

She parked it next to an indoor fichus tree hoping to stay out of the line of fire while she located her host, happy that she only had to speak to one person this evening. As she made her sweep of the room, the near plastic perfection of the other partygoers became even more unsettling. With their nipped, tucked, plumped, and over anesthetized faces, paired with tight-lipped smiles, they were eerie. They picked at their platefuls of gourmet foods; in the pathetic hopes of appearing more normal than they actually were…

She froze seeing an especially severe case of the diseased mind walk past her, and instinctually stepped closer to the plant for cover. There upon she realized that under closer inspection, it too was fake. She puffed and mumbled to herself, Is there anything real here? Then she smirked at the half-sincere smiles who watched a passing crowd of girls, someone important she guessed by the fuss. Each one of the women eyed her momentarily and dismissed her just as quickly, making their way towards the backyard.

The young woman in the front was a bitchy looking blond hair, blue-eyed demon whose golden pumps and matching dress accentuated her perfectly bronzed skin. Day and night compared to Aubry, with her black hair, slate colored eyes and pale skin, nothing at all alike she thought thankfully. As soon as they had passed and the crowds began chatting again, Aubry stifled a snicker thinking I am not in Kansas anymore. She quickly turned away and saw an open chair popped up where she finished her meal, as another young socialite came over introducing herself.

Aubry reciprocated politely, as the female gave her profession and listed several films that she had recently had bit parts in. Then she waited for Aubry to give her credentials as well. Right away, Aubry could tell that this young woman was a typical newbie. They were the only females who would have stopped to talk to her on the off-chance that she was an agent or talent scout.

She had learned, in her short time since coming to this place that the only people who stopped to talk to her were these women, or loveless young men looking for one-night stands. Occasionally, though it was another left over like herself, sitting just as uncomfortably until they could slip away unnoticed. She was unlucky this evening though, appearing to be the only one of her kind, that had managed to be roped into tonight’s festivities.

She frowned and thought, as soon as she could identify the pompous ass that was holding this pretentious shindig, she was going to introduce herself and be out of this horror fest as soon as possible. If her host were not the major shareholder in the largest advertising company on the west coast, and had not invited her with a handwritten letter, she would have blown it off. However, according to her agent, she would be committing career suicide, so here she was miserable and annoyed, waiting to meet her yet unseen host.

The young girl giggled, snapping her back into the conversation, So what do you do for a living?

I am an artist.

The woman’s face lit up then, and she asked, What kind? I am always looking for work. You don’t need any models do you? Aubry smiled, back peddling quickly, not liking the idea of being stuck at the hip with this woman for the remainder of the evening.

For that reason, she lied, No, sorry not that kind of artist, children’s picture books, nothing that could ever be made into a movie or anything.

The young woman deflated instantly, and then spotted someone else that she knew and disappeared quickly into the crowd, without so much as a good-bye. Aubry breathed a sigh of relief, finishing her drink, as she glanced about the room. The man would likely be surrounded by women tonight, and she identified several likely candidates instantly. She sat back and watched them all for a few minutes, narrowing her search down.

The first two men, she dismissed easily, since they were obviously directors, both talking endlessly about films they were working on. Next, there was a particularly handsome one on the couch that she found her eyes drawn to, surrounded by nearly six women, but he was much too young to be an advertising mogul. His air did suggest that he was comfortable with his status but completely disinterested in anyone or anything in the room, much like a model. She assumed that he must be that, or an actor of some kind, although she could not place him. Not that she was likely to anyhow, her artwork took up the majority of her free time so she often found herself missing may mainstream biggies.

She should have moved on at once from there, but stubbornly her mind would not let her. She was not sure if it was his face or his air, but she was unable to take her eyes from him. The longer she stared, the more she realized that he really was very alluring, extremely, uncomfortably good looking, as a matter-of-fact. His green eyes were cheerless and distant, and surprisingly intelligent looking for someone so young, emphasized by his dark hair, much like her own.

Additionally, he was draped in the beautiful shallow looking women, one of whom was the gold covered blond from earlier and they made it difficult to see what the rest of his body looked like. Although, she was certain by his posture, and air that he must be fit, and very capable. When she was finished raking his body with her eyes, she flicked them back up to his handsome face again and then dropped her gaze at once.

He was looking directly at her, his eyes suddenly piercing and unwavering upon her. She puffed at herself, chastising her eyes for lingering and then for being so obvious about her social indiscretion. She shook it off and returned her gaze to the other men in the room, intentionally avoiding another glance back in the direction of the couch, as a nagging feeling settled in its place. She still needed to meet and greet with the host, not gawk at handsome strangers.

Nearly a half an hour later, she had narrowed it down to two men, one of whom stood and made his way outside to the pool. She cursed her luck and walked closer to the first choice in the living room but as she approached, she observed that he had tattoo-covered knuckles and frowned, detouring outside swiftly. She figured that the best bet then was out back, and as she stepped outside, she nearly slipped on the wet concrete in her rush to catch up.

Slipping off her heels, she located her prey quickly; he was stepping into the hot tub, with a few fast women. When she arrived, mistakenly she leaned forward and beckoned the man to her. He stared at her for a few seconds before answering, Can I help you sweetheart?

Instantly, she had to lean back on her haunches to get away from his offensive liquored breath, asking, Are you Mr. Herron?

The man teetered for a moment, No, but I can be him if you want me to be sweetness.

She watched as his face grew two shades darker, and began to sweat, profusely, as she smiled apologetically, No, thank you, do you know where I can find him?

He is-s-s in the house, all of this-s-s is his-s, he owns it all, he slurred back.

She nodded and stood understanding then just how inebriated the man was, and how quickly the hot tub was taking its effect on his elderly system, Thank you. You have been very helpful. Before she stepped out of his view, gesturing to the women in the water behind him, You might want to get him out of the water before he passes out.

They nodded and began coaxing the gentleman to get out with them, as she turned and headed back inside to the drinks. Luckily, most people had moved outside to the water, where a second bar had been set up. So she poured herself another glass of punch in the nearly empty kitchen and made her way back outside.

From here she watched the hilarity ensue around her as she tried without luck to find her host, asking several other likely candidates in desperation. She soon realized, however, that everyone at the party had now become thoroughly intoxicated. The guests incoherent ramblings only seeming to increase with each stop that she made inquiring about him, and she cursed herself for not being more proactive.

She even scanned the living room area again, and noticed that the gorgeous man was gone. Instead, a man was doing lines of coke on the tabletop, yet another sign that she should be leaving. She frowned wishing that she had been able to catch just one more glimpse of that enigmatic male again; it at least would have made the night seem a little less wasted. Nonetheless, she sighed; it was better not to daydream about things that she could not have. It only frustrated her more, and she was already becoming agitated, surrounded by a party filled with drunken people.

It was then that she decided the best way for her to narrow it down was to wait it out. At least later, she could say hello and good-bye and hopefully escape unscathed quickly. She finished her drink and made her way through the crowd towards the abandoned swing set in the back corner deciding that it was a safe place to hold up until the party thinned out. There she dusted off one of the swings and took a seat dropping her shoes onto the grass next to her. Then she let her bare feet dangle and smiled as her toes were cooled by the damp earth under her feet. That was accompanied by the familiar feeling of sweet grass caressing her heels, as she swayed back and forth in the swing.

After a few minutes, she closed her eyes and began swinging back and forth with more vigor allowing her head to swim, enjoying the few minutes of reprieve. Just as she was about to open her eyes though, she heard a distinctively masculine voice say quietly, Be careful.

Aubry blinked holding her spinning head for a moment, replying, I will be fine it’s a short fall, he gestured at the seat next to her, and she nodded only glancing at her companions open hand before looking back at the party.

It is much better out here, he began.

She nodded distractedly, spotting another possible candidate, Yes it is.

He stared at her for a long moment and then introduced himself, My name is Dean, what is yours?

She replied absentmindedly, Aubry, still eyeing the candidate at the party until he pulled his shirt off and began doing poses in an attempt to impress a young girl sitting poolside. Thereupon she huffed dismissing him and returned to her fruitless search, continuing to ignore her new companion. Realizing that she was ignoring him, the man sitting next to her cleared his throat loudly. Aubry finally looked over at him and then did a double take, unable to stop herself from gaping at him.

The face that had taken a seat could not be true; certainly, she could not be that unlucky. Mortified, at once, she contemplated bolting, her chest tightening as she looked back at the partygoer’s nervously. It was the handsome man from the couch that she had been caught gawking at earlier. She quickly began trying to think of excuses so that she could be free of this mortifying predicament as soon as possible.

He seemed to understand her discomfort immediately and snapped her out of her panicked state, by asking rudely, So, why are you here?

She snapped her head back at him then, What?

He smiled, causing her to flinch, and he dropped the expression explaining, You do not seem like someone who would be at one of these things.

She sighed, Yeah. I am supposed to introduce myself to the owner, but I have yet to find him.

He raised his eyebrow, Supposed to?

She huffed looking at the party, explaining, My agent received a hand-written invitation for me to attend this thing, she gestured at the party. She said I had to introduce myself and make small talk for a bit. Since he was the one to make my discovery for the company, it would be rude not at come. In the end though, I talked her down to a short introduction and a comment on the weather. The problem is that I have no idea what he looks like, and everyone is so trashed now...

Dean smiled, The weather?

She shrugged feigning indifference, but was secretly relieved that he did not mention her earlier behavior, General conversation starter, and easily ended with a quick excuse to use the restroom. Then I can sneak back to my hotel and enjoy the rest of my evening in peace.

He furrowed his brow, and she continued, Don’t get me wrong; I am sure he is a decent guy, and he must be intelligent, else he would not have done so well. She gestured at the extravagant home in front of her, But I have met a few wealthy men in my time, and they tend to use their funds as safety nets for their egos. I thought after seeing the handwritten invite that he might be more than the sum of his parts but this…, she gestured at the party again shaking her head.

I mean I enjoy parties, but if these are his people... She gestured at a man stumbling away from the others and subsequently watched as he passed out drunk. While his date began cursing at his fallen body kicking his side with her six-inch stilettos, Then I am not counting on him being the kind of man that I would have any interest in talking with for an extended amount of time.

I agree. They are lacking, he replied sourly, looking at the crowd of people who were now dancing around couple.

She smiled and then huffed, Don’t listen to me; I am just in a foul mood because I can’t figure out which one of these men is him.

He smiled at her slyly, Have you asked around?

She shrugged him off, I did not realize that I had such a narrow window of opportunity. They are all way too drunk now; I am just sort of hoping to wait them out until I had a smaller number to deal with. He smiled then, and she asked suspiciously, What?

And you do not even know what he looks like? He smiled wider amused by her predicament.

She scowled, No. I cannot find any woman who might be his wife either.

He coughed then, almost choking on his drink, He is married?

She shrugged, Honestly I don’t know that either, but most men his age are, so I was kind of hoping to see someone giving instructions or something.

He smiled wide challenging her then, So you do not know what he looks like, or if he’s even married, what do you know?

She snapped her agitation rising, Well; I know he does not have children. He hired a decorator; he had the food catered; he has an excellent taste in art. He reads a great deal, and he or whoever he had write the letter, is left handed. Oh and he does not have pets, but he likes animals.

The young man sat up straight and asked quietly, Anything else?

She tilted her head and then turned to look at the impressive man next to her again, and saw that he was holding his drink in his left hand. Additionally, she noticed the ink under his left fingernail, and blinked, asking suspiciously, You don’t know him by any chance do you?

He asked before taking a drink, Who was it again?

She furrowed her brows, Mr. Herron.

He finished his drink in one gulp and shook his head his mouth still full. She sank back into her seat disappointed and began swinging slowly again as he asked, How do you know all of that about him?

Know all what?

He looked at the ground tentatively, The animals, and all of that?

She smiled, Oh, well the house has a distinct smell, not a place where a dog or cat lives but something else, you know?

He shook his head and she continued more to herself than to him, Plus five or six chairs have scratches and animal hair on them, but there is no bowls in the kitchen. No scratch marks at the backdoor, but a few gouges in the metal, something larger, heavier. In addition, fake high standing plants, decoration not food, and require no care. That could also mean that he is a workaholic. Although he has tons of books in foreign languages, and quite a few pieces of artwork, which appear authentic, so there is a good chance that he simply travels.

Then she thought for a moment and continued, As far as the animals go, there is also the pristine shape of the backyard, aside from the side of that shed, she pointed at it, where something has been sleeping, and yet this home does not suggest an inability to provide a dog house. I am guessing a bear or something else large. He’s probably not too happy with being forced from the comfort of his home by these people.

Excellent observations, he replied sounding impressed.

She shrugged, A gift and a curse, how about you, you made any observations about him?

He is careless.

She tilted her head, Yeah how’s that?

He shrugged, You have been here for an hour, and you already know he’s had wild animals in his back yard.

She shrugged, and he changed the subject asking, What did he discover for the company?

She shrugged again, He liked my first few pieces of art and had his company sign me. Really, it’s been a huge break for me. I need to thank him.

I am sure you deserved it.

She sighed, We’ll see, so how about you?

He shrugged, Business is good.

Yeah, what do you do for a living? She asked politely following common protocol for casual conversation.

He replied disinterest seeping into his eyes again, Investing.

Sounds boring, he turned towards her in surprise, and she continued shrugging again, You look like the outdoors’ type. I bet the office is a bit confining.

It is.

She smiled swinging her legs slowly again leaning backwards, I have always enjoyed the outdoors; it’s the quiet you know, the peace of being out in nature it’s soothing.

He nodded, and she stopped swinging as they shared a smile, and she turned as her breath caught in her throat. His eyes seemed to have the effect of truly seeing into you, far beyond normal men, it was uncanny. She felt her heart fluttering uncontrollably as her hands immediately, became clammy. She cleared her throat trying to regain control of her emotions, whipping her hands on her dress smoothing it at the same time. She knew how quickly she could fall victim to a man like this, so she excused herself, Well, I’d better get back, if I don’t find Mr. Herron my agent is going to kill me.

He raised his hand stopping her, Wait. I heard one of the other guys at the party say that he went out to get more ice.

She blinked at him in surprise and then smiled, Really?

It will probably be a while, but I can help you look for him in a bit, it would be faster than searching alone.

She replied, Thanks that would be a great, maybe he knows how long ago he left. She rose to her feet, grabbing her shoes in the process, and waited for him to stand. When he did not she looked back at him confused.

He fiddled with his empty glass for a moment and then said, We still have some time yet. I just heard it before I came out here.

She puffed in frustration realizing that she was going to be stuck here…with him. Then a thought struck her and she smiled, trying to encourage him to get up so that she could be rid of him and his frightfully intoxicating good looks, Well then we should get you back before your source gets too intoxicated to ask. Plus, you can tend to that blanket of women that I saw you with before.

He looked up at her bemused, Blanket?

She huffed looking back at the party, placing her hand on her hip as she tried to find the women adding, Yes, they were practically sitting in your lap, panting as if they were in heat, if I remembered correctly. He smiled wider, and she looked at him saying as she gestured towards the party, So, shall we?

He shook his head grinning slyly, No, not yet. I am not quite ready to head back.

She huffed and looked over at the party again finally spotting the women whom he had been sitting with earlier and smirked, Your girls are probably missing you.

He looked at the group in front of him and muttered, All the more reason to stay right where I am.

She turned back to look at him surprised, her curiosity peaked momentarily as she leaned against the swing set’s posts, So why are you dodging Barbie?

It’s complicated, he replied rubbing his neck as he avoided her prying eyes.

She looked at his agitated state and then back over at the women, asking, Girlfriend? He scowled, and she frowned at him, picking up the pieces, What’s she holding over your head?

He frowned, Her family is influential, and the match was made without my consent.

She replied looking put off, Well that’s a first. He continued staring at the party, as she thought her way through his dilemma asking soberly, No way out of it, I take it?

He replied with a look of dread on his face, No, none.

She replied earnestly, No wonder you look so miserable. Well, after you get hitched, you should at least have as many mistresses as your wallet can sustain. He looked at her in surprise now, and she shrugged, She is obviously a bitch, for making you stick to it even though you are unhappy, and she is going to make the rest of your life miserable. It’s the least you could do to repay her for her kindness. He blinked, and she shrugged again, Sorry. I am a bit spiteful, not exactly a desirable trait in a female. She muttered to herself looking back at the party once more, Probably why I am single. He tilted his head watching her for a moment as she stared at the others lost in thought.

He asked then with renewed interest, What are you thinking about?

Just the strangeness of life, I suppose. I will be busy tonight; that’s for sure. She felt a sudden change in the wind, and she looked back at him, seeing a glint of unease in his eyes, and she assured him, Don’t worry I would never use your story for my art. I am merely inspired by your depressing predicament that’s all.

What shall you work on then? He inquired as he studied her carefully.

She smiled sorrowfully, My first tragedy; I believe. He blinked and then she turned back to the party once more and watched for a while longer.

After a bit, she shook her head in disdain and said forcing herself to brighten, You know; I think am going to go for a walk. I believe this property adjoins a cliff. I bet it is a sight at night. He stood and nodded encouraged by her sudden lifted spirits, and followed her as she headed towards the thick woods and the sounds of the sea just beyond that.

The Edge

A few minutes later, she stumbled out of the darkened woods into a clearing where a half moon greeted her. Aubry smiled completely enraptured by the sight as she said to herself, awe inspired, It’s exactly how I pictured it. I love it.

Dean was a few steps behind her watching her closely and nodded to himself pleased by her reaction. She took off her shoes again and dropped them as she made her way towards the rocky edge overlooking the ocean. As she did, she could feel her heartbeat increasing as her excitement level rose. The rock was smooth and cool under foot, and the smell of the salty waters permeated the air heavily.

As she stepped closer to the edge, she threw her hands out to steady herself, almost losing her balance. Instantly finding herself completely caught up in the moment by the sheer awe of the image in front of her. Just then, the rock that she was standing on gave way beneath her, and she began falling forward unexpectedly. Her breath gave out as Dean slid his arm around her waist pulling her to safety just in the nick of time.

She grabbed the hot arm of steel, which had wrapped around her, out of shear instinct, but her discovery was more than she had bargained for. His arm was solid and hard, but his skin moved under her touch as if it were trying to get away from her probing fingers. Instantly, she smiled completely delighted by the rush of her discovery.

As she broke away from his grip, she turned to look at him again, only to see that he was blinking and rubbing his eyes. Watching him closely she said, Thank you, that was close.

He nodded still blinking and explained pitifully, I think I have some dirt in my eye.

She nodded, stepping closer, and raising her hands towards his face, Let me see. He shook his head, and she frowned closing in against his protests. He staggered backwards, holding his hand out to stop her abruptly. Then remarkably, out of morbid curiosity really, she slid her hands up grabbing his, inspecting it.

He stopped blinking instantly and looked at her, asking in alarm, What are you doing?

She dropped his now cool hand saying, Sorry. Curiosity got the best of me.

He asked suspiciously, Curiosity?

I always wondered what the hands of the person who saved my life would look like, then she gave him a small smile.

He blinked at her, And?

She stepped closer again snatching his hand once more and ran her fingers along his palm gently, They look strong and capable, just as I thought they would. Thank you. He looked down at his hand as she dropped it turning to look at the ocean again, changing the subject again, It is so beautiful don’t you think?

He looked at her then, Yes. It is beautiful.

She finally looked at him; just in time to catch him quickly avert his gaze… from her. She smiled and then looked back out at the seemingly endless ocean in front of them. Then surprisingly she caught sight of a shooting star in the expanse in front of them. It rocketed across the night’s seemingly endless sky, its white trail streaking the inkiness and reflecting brightly off the frigid black waters below. Her face lit up and she shut her eyes quickly making a wish. When she opened them again, he was standing next to her expectantly.

What did you wish for, he asked in a low voice, leaning in intimately, sending her stomach fluttering. She even caught her first true whiff of his masculine scent and it was as exquisite as she thought it would be.... He was close, so close in fact, that she could feel the heat coming off his body now. She smiled as an overwhelming urge to reach over and touch the magnificently enticing man surfaced again. Caught up in her own thoughts for a moment; he nudged her playfully as she hesitated smacking his hands away kittenishly replying, I can’t tell you or it won’t come true.

I won’t tell anyone, I promise, he replied with a new huskiness to his voice giving her a wink.

Inspirited, she walked towards the edge again,

Reviews for Wolf Party

[mum26 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Started out as a very normal paranormal romance, then turned very emotionless and strange. By the end I hated her for not having properly loved Dean, but she madly loves the older Alfa by the end ?? It was like reading two or three different stories, just mixed up..... Sorry!