Chapter 21 - Senna

The intensity of having a room full of wolves, nearly every single one sniffing around happily and chatting with me in a constant stream, was extremely overwhelming.

"Thank you, really." I nodded at another female wolf who'd introduced herself as Gemma. "I'm just feeling a little out of place. I'm not used to this type of pack…interest."

"She's being polite. How about we all give the pregnant lady some space, yeah?" MacKenzie put her hands on my shoulders, and the people around me hesitated. "Come on. Doctor's orders."

With that they slowly filtered away, and I felt immediately better for the improved proximity of the other wolves. Apparently, I was a little claustrophobic about being boxed in, which made sense considering how many times I'd been attacked by members of my old pack.

"Thanks, Kenzie. I don't think I could have done that for much longer." I sighed, my shoulders slumping.

"Well," MacKenzie patted my arm, "you may want to get used to a bit of pack comradery, but I get it. They're just excited. As am I, especially since I so called it."

Laughing, I shook my head, already tired enough to go back to bed. Maybe that's pregnancy-related?

"I mean, I did go into heat. And then Jet…well, yeah. I'm surprised more people didn't think about it."

"Breeding has been notoriously unsuccessful as of late. I wouldn't put it past some of them to forget that wolves can actually get pregnant. Speaking of, I want to see you as soon as all this trial stuff is over. Take a peek under the hood, so to speak. It's important to know that everything is going okay."

A thread of nervous energy slithered through me, and I nodded as I worried my lips between my teeth.

"Hey, it'll be fine. I promise I've looked after pregnant people—wolves—before. We have had some success with breeding, so I'll be right there with you."

The warm smile Kenzie offered was desperately needed, and I nodded as my eyes burned.

"Ugh, man. I'm sorry. Hormones. I think, anyway."

She nodded with a chuckle. "Yeah, that's right. They'll be a bit of bitch until you deliver." Kenzie's grin widened. "Oh, man. The entire pack is going to want to know when you're due so we can plan a party."

My stomach squeezed, and I blanched. "A party? For me?"

"Yeah. You and the babies. Is that…" Kenzie frowned, stepping closer to put a hand on my arm. "Is that not a thing in your old pack?"

"Ha!" The bark of laughter was pure shock, manifesting as morbid hilarity. "Umm, that's a big no. There were no parties for other people. Close-knit and comradery are not terms I'd use to describe the wolves there."

MacKenzie put her hands on both my shoulders, leveling me with an intense stare.

"I promise you. That isn't how things are here. You're our family now. I mean, hell, you're with Jet, and he practically raised me. So we're like weird sisters. I will always be here for you."

The tears in my eyes stung harder, and I fought to swallow. Knowing that something was coming was supposed to be good, but all I could dwell on was the vision of horror I kept seeing. We still needed to tell the pack about that part, and I had a feeling Jet was coming over now to do just that.

MacKenzie and Grayson, as well as the wolves near us, stood up straighter as the alpha approached, and I noticed Kaiden right on his heels. Jet came up to me first, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead as his hand went to the small of my back.

I could sense his apprehension but resolution to tell them about what I'd seen. But it should be me who dropped that bomb.

"I'll tell them. It's my gift. Okay?" As I raised my brows at Jet, he paused, his eyes narrowing before he nodded. "Thank you."

"Everyone!" I called out, and the room snapped to attention again. "There is one more piece of news we have to share. I'm afraid you won't like it, but I promised to do everything I can as the alpha's mate to keep you all safe. I am a V?lva, and it appears my gift is"—I sucked in a breath, struggling to keep my voice from shaking—"visions."

A hushed whisper rounded the room as wolves began to chat about what I could have seen. Jet quickly quieted them down, raising his hand.

"Okay, okay. Let's try to remain calm. Senna will give all the details."

So, I did. I told them the horrors that plagued my mind, the fear I had for Terrance's attack on the pack, and how I worried that he somehow knew I was still alive and not being kept as a breeding slave.

"How would he know that?" Grayson asked, tilting his head down in a polite half-bow. "Did your vision give any indication?"

I shook my head. "No. They're more metaphorical, not literal. The only thing I can think of is that he has a spy. Terrance was fond of using them when I was there."

A nervous, near-panicked commotion started up again, and Jet had to use the calming powers of his alpha blood to keep the pack level. Jet's even presence near me helped to ease some of my own fear, and I was grateful to see MacKenzie pull up alongside me as another soothing hand to hold.

"Thank you, Kenzie. You're amazing."

She shook her head. "Hey, that's what friends are for. My grandma had visions. She didn't want to tell anyone or make a fuss, but she was a wolfless shifter. She was just like you."

My heart squeezed, and MacKenzie smiled from ear to ear at me. She was so open and optimistic about the future. Gods, I needed that right now. Wrapping my arms around her neck, I pulled her close for a hug.

"You are truly a lifesaver. The clothes, the friendship. You and Jet are the best things that have ever happened to me."

I kept my voice low, but I could scent Kenzie's old paper and ocean fragrance flaring bright.

"Any time, Senna. I'm glad to have someone else to talk to, too."

Her red curls and rose cheeks were so beautiful, and my heart felt so damn full for having this new family around me with everything that was going on.

Looking out over the rest of the pack, I put my hand on my heart. "If I see anything else, I promise to speak up immediately, no matter what. For now, we may want to work on fortifying the grounds. Battening down the hatches, as it were. Alpha?"

I turned to Jet, who just nodded and then faced his pack with a firm expression. "Indeed. And, as much as it pains me to say it, we need to halt the beta trials."

Leon and a few of the other tryouts attempted to speak up, Leon being the loudest, of course. "You can't—"

"I can and did. We can't have wolves running out in the forest without backup and enough numbers to stand a chance during a fight. They will resume as soon as we've dealt with Terrance."

A deep scowl cut through Leon's face, and he walked off through the back of the room.

"Do not leave the house, Leon!" He let the young wolf go. "That goes for everyone. Understood?"

"Yes, Alpha," everyone said together.

"Senna," Jet turned to me, "what can you remember of the vision that might help us prepare better. It's obviously a warning, so…what's it warning us of?"

My stomach clamped down as I remembered what I'd seen. "As I said, they're not…It's not like a map of what's to come. They aren't literal. It's more like trying to interpret a dream."

I shook my head, guilt weighing down my shoulders. I wanted to have more to offer, more to give them as a warning that they could put into use, but it wasn't a video of events that I saw. Images of blood on snow flickered behind my lids as I blinked.

"Perhaps, if or more likely, when he arrives, keep the pack in the house. I keep seeing the snow out back. It…I don't know. It could be something, I guess."

Jet nodded sharply, looking to the pack again. "You heard her. Draw them inside and avoid the back lawn during the fight if you can."

There was a terrible anxiety that festered in the room, and I knew Jet could sense it. He pulled me to his side, raising a hand up to the others as they milled about the room.

"I know. I understand your fear. But we are strong together." He squeezed me tight. "We will manage this as we have every threat before. For now, take some time. Bond, connect. Remember why we are here as a pack. Terrance's aggressive, domineering ways will never overpower our connection."

The room howled in approval, and everyone took to a knee briefly before returning to stand and looking to Jet for permission to adjourn.

"Meeting dismissed."

Slowly, the room emptied, and I stayed back with Jet as everyone filtered out. MacKenzie came up to me before she followed Kaiden out.

"Go have time with your Alpha, hun. You both need it."

With a knowing smile, she winked at me and then proceeded out of the room, playfully nudging her brother.

"So, poker?" Kenzie drawled in his direction.

Kaiden sighed before grumbling back, "Fine. But I'm broke. You took all my money last time."

I laughed to myself as they left, falling more in love with everything about my new home—and so damn terrified to lose it.

"Hey." Jet pulled me close, smoothing his thumb across my lip as he lowered his forehead to mine. "I know you're upset. How about a little fresh air?"

Quirking a brow, I grinned. "Didn't you just tell all the others to stay inside the house?"

He shrugged, kissing me, and then slid back to take my hand and start walking. "Yeah, but I'm alpha. I'm allowed to break my own rule."

I couldn't stop the giggle that escaped, and in truth, a trip outside with him sounded fantastic.

"Lead the way." I held up my hand, gesturing forward.

Jet smiled, pulling me along behind him as we walked toward the back door through the kitchen. The air was chilly outside, but the boots I'd borrowed, along with the thicker winter coat from MacKenzie, did enough to keep me warm. Jet slung on just a simple jacket, and I knew he had his fiery alpha blood to thank for that.

"How are you doing, hun?" He pulled me closer to him as he walked us through the vast backyard.

I could tell there was a path and even a garden under the snow that would come out and be revealed when spring finally came. Right now, the gleaming spread of white coated everything as far as I could see, twinkling like crystals.

"I don't know. I'm happy the pack has accepted me and the baby so well, but…" Sighing, I pressed in closer to Jet, soothing myself with the scent of his leather and pine. "I'm worried. Terrance is a vindictive asshole. The visions are…well, it's not exactly reading a map, now is it?"

With a soft chuckle, Jet circled his hands around my waist, nuzzling his nose into the crook of my neck. His lips danced across my skin, skittering goosebumps across it.

"I know it's not, Senna. But you're not alone anymore. We will figure this out."

"I know we'll try." I sagged against him. "You're going around without a beta, too. I don't like it. What if he attacks when it's just you and me, or worse, you're alone?"

"Hey," Jet took my face in both hands, "I'll be fine. I know how to take care of myself, and I'm not dumb enough to not get back to the house. I know we're stronger in numbers."

Shoving at him with my shoulder, I frowned playfully. "Good."

Smoothing his thumb across my cheek, Jet started us walking to the tree line. It was homey and comfortable to be surrounded by the massive pines, and I sighed as I took a deep breath of the winter air.

"I was raised in the trees. Few know them as well as I do." Jet glanced around, putting his hand on the trunk of the pine nearest him. "If the compound is overrun, leading them through these could shake their trail. Better that than letting Terrance get his hands on all that history."

Nodding, I took Jet's hand, pulling him closer. As he leaned down, I brushed my nose against his. The skin was slightly chilled but still warm against mine. I needed him closer. Gods, I needed Jet to remind me of the good, of the way he felt connected to me.

"Senna." Jet swept his lips across mine, a low growl radiating from his chest as he yanked me closer. "Damn, Omega. Even here, you smell divine."

I hummed against his lips as he kissed me again, and I let Jet walk me up against a tree. "You can scent me even now? In the cold wind?"

His lips found my neck, nipping at the skin playfully. "I could track you down anywhere."

Desire lit in my belly, low and desperate, and I smirked as I met his eyes again.

"Prove it."

Without another word, I tore off through the trees. I ran with everything I had, ducking in between the columns of the massive pines with my boots crunching through the snow. I put as much distance as I could between us, and then I changed course, using the few skills I had against a true wolf.

I was heated through from the exertion, and I'd pegged my location, doubling back over my trail as I heard a wolf howl in the distance. Oh, shit.

Careful to step where I already had, I took off the thick coat, tossing it on the trail that led back to the house. I'd be fine in the cold for at least a little while, still running a bit hotter than a human. I could also see the pile that Jet had left of his own. There is a naked alpha out there in wolf form, and I am way too damn excited.

When I passed the beginning of my trail, I scrabbled through a small thicket, diving through to the other side and searching around frantically for another good clumping of bushes.

The confusing steps and the smell of the evergreens coating me would make it just a little harder for Jet to track me down. Still, he was an alpha, and I knew it was just a matter of time.

"There."

I hurried over to a post-up point and pinned my back against a tree, sinking down low. Another howl tore through the woods, and I sucked in a breath as this one was much closer. The shuffling sound of Jet padding around through the snow wasn't too far off.

After a moment, I was beginning to question my skills, wondering if I'd made it too difficult or if I'd actually managed to hide from him, when I heard a low rumble behind me.

Leaning off the trunk, I peered around the tree. Jet was right there, and wolf or not, I was sure he was smiling. Gods, his form was so gorgeous. Thick, glossy white fur covered his massive body, his paws each the side of my head and more.

The incredible purring sound rumbled out of him, even in this form, and I nearly melted. That soothing yet excited energy he exuded was everywhere, and I couldn't have moved if I wanted to. The truth, of course, was that I did not want to.

As I spun and tried to run again, Jet soared through the air and pinned me down into the snow. His huge muzzle sniffed at the back of my neck, his tongue licking across my flesh. He nudged me around forcefully, making me lie on my back to gaze up into those deep emerald eyes.

"All right. You win."

I reached up, stroking across his face. The rumble got louder, and my eyes lulled closed as his scent flared around me. Jet was truly enormous as a wolf. He could tear me to pieces in an instant—but I knew he wouldn't.

He nipped playfully, gently at my fingers before sniffing down my body until his nose was right at my lower belly. Jet, this wolf part of him, nuzzled into the flesh there, nudging me. I could feel our intense connection blooming brightly. Even like this, he was mine, and I was his. But this part of him had yet to truly meet me—or the baby.

"Yes, all yours, too."

He nosed deeper, rubbing across the seam of my thick leggings. That rumbling sound vibrated through me to my core, and it just got deeper, hungrier. Jet rubbed harder, working me through my pants, and then his tongue swept across me. I was so damned wet for the feeling of how much he wanted me, that arousal soaring through our bond.

I moaned, low and desperate. In a flash, my hands went to the waistband of my pants. I didn't care if it would be freezing. I needed my Jet, my alpha.

As soon as my skin was bared to him, Jet's tongue lapped up through my slit. It jolted me in a frenzied current, and I felt his paws go to my thighs, and they shifted back into hands. His claws remained, however, and I reeled at the delicious feeling of him controlling my legs so powerfully.

"Fucking hell, Omega."

Jet's human face peered up from between my thighs, his teeth still pointed in fangs in this partial shift.

"Please, Jet. Please."

I mewled out the words as his tongue went back between my folds, licking and twirling and thrusting me right to the edge of an orgasm.

His efforts soared higher, and in moments, I was coming against his tongue. He roared through my veins, and then I was flung around on my hands and knees. Jet's thick erection pressed into me hard and fast, and we both cried out into the frosty pines.

"Come, little Omega. Come for me again."

Jet gripped my hips hard, rutting into me as if I was still in heat, and for a second, I almost missed the way it had felt when he'd claimed me during those frantic hours. But the truth was, even without the added hormones, Jet made my body soar, driving me to a passion I'd never known or dared to imagine.

The points of his claws pricked my skin, just a hair, and the tiny sensations buzzed through my nerves, landing straight in my clit. I fucked back against Jet's thick cock, thrusting myself down his shaft as he pushed forward. I was close, so damn close to coming again.

"Jet, oh, fuck…"

He slid his hand up my spine, finding the long trails of my hair and pulling me up toward him. His chest collided with my back as I reared up, driving him deeper.

"Fuck!"

"That's it, sweetness. So fucking good."

His thrusts were powerful, his hand snaking down my belly to my slippery slit. He rubbed briskly across my clit, and I clenched down around him, pulling him in. It was so damn good, and my mind scrambled, freed, even if momentarily, from the grip of worry and fear that dogged me constantly.

Jet's cock shoved deeper, reaching my apex, and I circled my hips, grinding myself against his blunt head. The lick of pain from his shaft's assault was perfect, working with the growing pleasure to make my entire body hum with arousal.

With a hungry shove, Jet tipped my head to the side, his tongue dancing over the healed claim mark. My body short-circuited as the ecstasy reached higher into the canopies of the wintergreen leaves.

Then his fangs scratched through the mark, and I came right then and there.

"Jet!"

I squeezed around his shaft, tumbling over the edge endlessly as he lapped up the tiny trickle of blood from my neck. His lick sped the healing as he pummeled into me, and he yanked me down onto his lap with another hard shove.

"Ugh," he grunted low, and then the warmth of his spending filled my pussy completely.

The pulse of his shaft within me drew out another wave of pleasure, and Jet emptied everything he had into my womb. Perfection.