Chapter 5: Mazie

5

MAZIE

T he first hint of dawn filtered through the gauzy curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Ajax's bed surrounded me, his scent enveloping me even in his absence. My hand reached out, almost of its own volition, and I pressed his pillow to my face, inhaling deeply. The mix of pine, earth, and something uniquely him made my heart race—a cocktail of emotions churning.

"Get a grip, Mazie," I whispered, cheeks burning with embarrassment and longing. We hadn't taken that final leap into intimacy, but the desire was a living thing between us, an umbra pacing restlessly in its cage.

I heard the shuffle of footsteps and sat up, clutching the sheet to my chest as Ajax walked in. He carried an aura of command, yet when he looked at me, his blue eyes softened as if I were both the storm he had braved and the calm harbor where he had sought refuge.

"Morning," his voice was a deep rumble, soothing yet stirring up a storm within me. "Hope you slept well."

"Like a rock,"I managed, though sleep was the last thing on my mind now.

He pulled up a chair beside the bed, a patient teacher ready to unravel the mysteries of a world so alien to mine. "There's a lot to understand about being part of an umbral pack—the customs, the hierarchy, the unspoken rules that bind us."

"Tell me everything,"I said, eager for his words to fill the gaps in my understanding, to weave me tighter into the fabric of this new, wild existence.

"First, know that our pack is everything. It's not just about strength; it's about family, about belonging."Ajax's presence grounded me as he spoke, tethering me to this reality slowly becoming mine. "And as alpha, it's my role to protect and guide, to keep us united and strong."

"Sounds like a heavy burden to carry."I couldn't help but admire the weight he shouldered, the silent struggles behind his steadfast gaze.

"It is. But it's worth it—for them, for you."His admission sent warmth spiraling through me, starkly contrasting the cold loneliness that had often been my shadow.

"And speaking of the pack..."Ajax stood, extending a hand to me. "The females are back from their trip. I think it's time you met some of them, including Eva."

"Okay."I slid my hand into his, the contact igniting a spark that seemed to jump between us.

We walked together, my heart thudding in a rhythm that matched ourstepsuntil we entered a bustling common area. Several women turned to greet us, their smiles welcoming, but I could sense the subtle shifts in their stance and the cautious appraisal in their eyes. They were taking my measure, determining where I fit into their world.

Then there was Eva, her curly red hair, a fiery halo around her head, andher bright green eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that felt like a challenge and an embrace. She was pretty without all the trappings I was used to in the outside world. She also looked so warm and friendly that I couldn't help but relax.

"Hi, I'm Eva,"she said, her voice tinged with a warmth that eased some of the tightness in my chest. "Welcome to the madness."

"Thanks, I'm Mazie,"I replied, finding comfort in her simple grin .

"Let's show you around, shall we?"Eva looped her arm through mine, her touch a lifeline as I navigated these fresh waters.

"Lead the way,"I said, feeling the first tendrils of connection taking root. With each step, with each shared laugh and exchanged story, the edges of my loneliness began to fray, unraveling under the weight of newfound camaraderie.

Stepping outside with Eva, the cool mountain air wrapped around me like a whisper of welcome, or maybe that was just my hopeful heart trying to find its place in this rugged terrain. The expanse of the territory stretched before us.

"Okay, so I know you're new to all this,"Eva began, her arm still linked with mine as if she knew I needed the anchor. "But every landmark here has a story, a purpose within our pack."

I nodded, feeling like Alice after tumbling down the rabbit hole.

"Over there,"Eva pointed to a cluster of boulders at the base of a hill. That's where we gather for celebrations—full moons, victories, you name it."

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself grinning despite the whirlwind of information. "And the people? Ajax mentioned unique gifts?"

"Ah, yes."Eva's eyes danced with excitement. "Like Abbey, over by the creek. She can sniff out a lie better than any polygraph."

"Really?" I asked, astonished.

"Seriously. It's uncanny,"Eva chuckled. "Then there's Devon,"she continued, her voice softening to a dreamier quality. "He's one of Ajax's betas. He dreams things that come true, glimpses of futures."

"Sounds intense,"I murmured, watching a blush creep up Eva's cheeks at the mention of him.

"Intense but amazing,"she sighed, her crush practically tangible in the air between us.

"Any other talents I should know?"I inquired, more to draw her out of her reverie than anything else.

"Plenty,"she assured me. "But you'll get to know them in time. For now, let's focus on getting you settled in."

"Settled,"I echoed, rolling the word around. What would it feel like to truly settle somewhere, to be part of something as enduring as the surrounding mountains?

Eva shared snippets of pack life as we walked, each piece a puzzle I was eager to solve. With every step, the land and its lore seeped into my bones, easing the ache of loneliness that had long been my shadow.

"Thank you, Eva,"I said, sincerity lacing my words. Thank you for showing me this, for being... well, a friend."

"Girl, that's what Pack is for,"she replied with a wink. "We're your family now."

As the forest gave way to a clearing, Eva paused, her arms sweeping grandly over a vista that seemed to hold centuries of secrets.

"Right here,"she began, her voice hushed as if the air might carry her words back in time, "this is where our ancestors first settled. They were fleeing persecution, looking for sanctuary. They found it in these woods."

I took a slow breath, letting the weight of history settle on my shoulders. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their leaves whispering tales of resilience and strength. I imagined generations of umbra's gathering in this sacred space, sharing victories and mourning losses.

"I wonder. Did they ever feel out of place?"I asked, my words barely above a whisper.

"Always,"Eva replied with a knowing smile. "It's the burden of those who are different. But it's also our greatest gift. Our unity comes from that shared feeling of being 'other.'"

Just then, a rustling announced Ajax's arrival. He stepped into the clearing, his presence so commanding that the ground beneath my feet seemed to acknowledge him.

"Ah, you're at the heart of our history,"he said, his deep voice resonating with the pride of a true leader. "Eva, I hope you've been telling our new pack member about the Great Battle of the Ridge?"

Eva nodded, beaming at him. "I was just getting to that part."

"Perfect,"Ajax said as he sat beside me on the fallen log, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from his body. "Our pack faced off against invaders who sought to claim these lands. We were outnumbered but not outmatched. Our ancestors fought with tooth and claw, driven by the love for their home and family."

Listening to Ajax, I connected to this wild, beautiful place I hadn't expected—a kinship with those who had fought fiercely for their right to exist. My struggles suddenly mirrored in the vast tangles of their history.

"Sounds like they were incredible,"I murmured, more to myself than to either.

"They were,"Ajax agreed. "And their spirit lives on in us. We honor them through our strength, loyalty, and commitment to protect what is ours. Now, it's time to train."

My throat went dry. "Train? With you?"

A wicked grin crossed his face just as Eva mumbled about getting dinner started. I wasn't sure whether to holler at her for turning traitor or running for the hills. It's only because I knew Ajax's umbra could quickly overtake mine. And the thought of us tangled up together had my umbra extremely interested.

"I'm ready,"I croaked, not feeling ready.

"Good,"Ajax said, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

The rest of our first training session flew by as I allowed myself to be immersed in the world of the umbrae. Under their guidance, I learned about the pack hierarchy, Umbra customs, and basic self-defense moves. The cool forest air seemed to seep into my bones, imbuing me with a sense of peace I hadn't felt in years.

When dusk fell, we returned to the cabin, laughing and exhausted. Okay, I was exhausted. Ajax hadn't broken a sweat.

"You've got a natural talent for that one-handed takedown,"Ajax teased as he held open the door for me. "Must be those modeling moves in action."

I laughed, my cheeks flushing as I stepped inside. "It's all about balance, right?"I teased back, feeling more carefree than I had in ages.

As we entered the cabin's warmth, the scents of a home-cooked meal wafted through the air, making my stomach growl in delight. "Eva's been cooking up a storm,"Ajax said with a proud grin .

"I hope you like shepherd's pie,"she called from the kitchen, her voice muffled by oven mitts. "It's a Montgomery family favorite."

"Mm... It smells delicious,"I said, inhaling deeply. The scent of roasted meat and savory pastry welcomed me like a warm blanket. "Eva, I could kiss you."

Ajax growled, wrapping a strong arm around my waist. "All your kisses belong to me."

I caught Eva's knowing smile from the corner of my eye. "Dinner's on the stove. I'm headed out."

Ajax flashed me a playful look before taking my hand and leading me to the shower. Much to my chagrin, he merely showed up,dropped me off, and closed the door.

Feeling a little low, I took off my clothes and showered. My bones ached from the umbra training Ajax insisted I participate in. True to his word, he cared for, protected, and encouraged me every day. Never in my life had I ever felt so cherished.

Unfortunately, he also hadn't touched me sexually in days. He was affectionate, caring, and utterly fantastic, but that didn't help the ache between my thighs. If it were possible for a girl to have lady blue balls, I would swear mine were indigo. I was getting better and better at using my newly found umbra senses. I wasn't the only one who was emitting pheromones. He wanted me just as badly as I wanted him.

I didn't know how to initiate it. Groaning, I stepped inside the large shower in Ajax's bedroom and let the hot water caress my cramped muscles. Ajax had one of those new showers that sprayed your body in a million different angles. Using the soap, I lathered up and lost myself to the loveliness of getting clean.

After setting the soap down, I picked up a removable shower head and sprayed everything I missed. It was only by accident that the spray caught me between the legs, and I felt a wave of pleasure jolt through me.

While it wasn't as powerful as Ajax's mouth, it was still arousing. Lord knew I needed to relieve some of this tension. I moved it again, letting the spray smack against my clit, and a moan escaped my lips.

A rustling in the bedroom made me realize Ajax was just outside the bathroom door. Embarrassment washed over me. I shouldn't be pleasuring myself in his bathroom. Should I?

No, I couldn't do this when Ajax was outside the door.

Could I?

I took one of my breasts into my hands and pinched the tip. Another tiny moan escaped my lips. Throwing caution to the wind, I angled the shower head to hit me where I needed it.

Pressure began to build as the water pulsed against my clit. Pinching my nipple harder, I pulled slightly and felt it to my core. A dial on the side of the handle caused the stream of water to become more concentrated.

My eyes rolled back, and before I knew it, I was coming hard; my legs were wobbly, and I found myself slipping down the shower nozzle, flipping out of my hand, and my body slithered down until I sprawled across the floor of the shower.

"Um, are you all right?"

Ajax's deep voice startled me as he stuck his head around the door. When he didn't see me immediately, he entered the bathroom and saw me splayed out on the shower floor.

"Are you okay? Did you have a seizure?"

I giggled, my hand coming up to shield my eyes from the water still coming down. "No, I am just an idiot."

He shook his head, a small smile teasing his lips. "Come on, baby girl, let's get you dried."

I allowed him to help me to my feet and stood there patiently as he carefully and thoroughly dried my body. When he was finished, I leaned up and kissed his chest. "Thank you, Daddy."

Our eyes met, and it was then that he took in my naked state. The way my breasts were tight and heavy, the curve of my hips, and the length of my thighs.

His breath caught, and I knew I had him right where I wanted him.