8. Jesse

EIGHT

JESSE

As I ventured out into the night in my wolf form, determined to track down the rogue wolf that had come so dangerously close to Marie’s home and my daughter, a sense of urgency guided my every step. The safety of Marie, Belle, and the entire town depended on my ability to locate and eliminate this threat. A threat that had now been described to me and shouldn’t be too difficult to find if Marie’s description was right. A diamond shape across the chest. That was quite a distinctive feature that I had only seen once before.

My senses were heightened, and I scoured every inch of the hamlet and its surroundings, seeking any sign of the intruder. The rain had already started to fall, creating a soft patter against the earth that added to the challenge of my task. It didn’t take long for me to find the first clue: a set of unfamiliar shifter paw prints in the mud at the base of the mountain. With a sense of purpose, I bent down to examine the prints, my keen senses analyzing the details. But time was not on my side, and as I attempted to follow the trail, the rain began to intensify, steadily washing away the evidence. Frustration welled up within me as the raindrops blurred the once-clear tracks and washed away the scent I had hoped to follow. I had lost the trail, and the rogue wolf remained a step ahead.

Who the hell was this wolf? And what did they want here? I wasn’t sure, but I was starting to think that I needed my car if I was going to make any difference here. So, I headed up to the mountainside, to the Patron’s mansion where I had left everything behind.

I sprinted up the mountain, my wolf form making swift work of the ascent. Rain soaked my fur, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of urgency deep in my core. The only way I could protect everyone was by getting to the bottom of this.

Finally, I reached the Patron’s mansion. It stood silent and imposing in the rain, a stark contrast to the chaos that had unfolded in town. With a powerful leap, I landed gracefully on the porch and changed back into my human form. My clothes, still neatly folded from when I had left them earlier, felt heavy as I quickly dressed.

I needed my car. It was parked in the garage, and I knew that it held the tools and weapons I would need to track down and confront the rogue wolf. My heart raced as I opened the garage door and stepped inside. The dimly lit space was filled with the scent of oil and gasoline, and my Range Rover stood there, waiting for me. In the back, I found my weapons cache, well stocked with silver bullets and other essentials. I checked the ammunition in my shotgun, ensuring it was ready for use.

I spotted Daniel Blake as I pulled up to the mansion, rain pouring down relentlessly. He was standing on the porch, a look of concern etched across his face. I knew I had to act quickly, so I jumped out of the Range Rover and hurried over to him.

“Daniel,” I called out, my voice hurried and tense, “I need to fill you in on what’s been happening.”

He nodded, his expression growing more serious. “Jesse, what’s going on? I’ve been trying to reach you for hours.”

“The wolf was at Marie’s house. A rogue wolf no one has seen before with a diamond-like pattern across its chest.”

“This is bad, Jesse,” he said grimly. “We need to inform the Patron immediately.”

I nodded in agreement. “Call him again and give him a full update. Tell him everything, including the rogue wolf near Marie’s place. We can’t afford to hold back any details.”

I knew he couldn’t do anything, but I wasn’t going to leave him on the outside. The Patron might be more affected by this than anyone else.

I pulled out my phone and quickly composed a group text to James Carmichael and Octavio Dellums, leaders of the other pack. The urgency of the situation required us to double our efforts, and I knew I could rely on them.

Jesse : Guys, it’s urgent. I’ve seen the rogue wolf in town, and it’s getting dangerous. I need your help to track this threat down ASAP. We have to double what we’re doing.

Within moments, both James and Octavio responded, confirming their readiness to agree with what we needed to do. At least we were coming together to face adversity as one. I didn’t know what would happen after this, but it was helpful.

James : Agreed. We can’t let this continue.

Octavio : I’ll let everyone in my pack know.

Leaving Daniel at the mansion, I felt a heavy sigh escape my lips as I stepped out into the cool night. The rain had subsided for the moment, leaving the air damp and heavy with the scent of wet earth. My thoughts were consumed by the rogue wolf, their motives and intentions remaining a mystery that gnawed at the edges of my mind.

Sliding behind the wheel of my car, I started the engine and began to drive through the winding roads of Wolf Mountain. The rain had washed away any potential tracks or scent trails, making my search all the more challenging. The motivation behind this rogue’s actions remained an enigma, and I couldn’t fathom why anyone would want to bring harm to our peaceful town. Wolf Mountain had its own internal issues, but outwardly there was no reason for others to want to attack us. It made no sense.

My wolf instincts heightened my senses as I scoured the area, my eyes darting from shadow to shadow, and my ears perked for any unusual sounds. It was crucial to stay vigilant and cautious. We couldn’t afford to underestimate the threat that this rogue posed.

As dawn broke and the first light of morning painted the sky, I knew it was time to pick up my daughter, Belle, from Marie’s house. Exhaustion coursed through me, every step feeling heavy as I made my way there. However, as I approached the porch, a surprising sight greeted me. Marie was there, her eyes heavy with fatigue and concern etched into her features. She couldn’t sleep, just like me, and her presence warmed my heart in ways I couldn’t deny.

Without a word, I joined her on the porch, our shared weariness a silent bond between us. The rain had finally ceased, leaving behind a sense of calm that contrasted with the chaos of the previous night.

Marie met me with a concerned gaze as I returned. She asked the inevitable question, her voice tinged with worry, “How was the night?”

I couldn’t help but shake my head, a deep sense of frustration simmering beneath the surface. “Fruitless,” I replied with a sigh. It had been a long and exhausting night, and I still had no leads on the rogue wolf’s whereabouts.

I asked Marie how Belle had slept, my concern for my daughter lingering in the back of my mind. She met my gaze with a hint of weariness, her eyes reflecting the weight of the situation.

“Not too bad,” she replied, her voice soft and filled with empathy. “But she’s definitely very frightened.” The worry in her tone mirrored my own, and it was difficult to hear that our precious Belle had been affected by the recent events.

I nodded in understanding, my heart heavy with the knowledge that my daughter was going through such a challenging time. It was moments like these that reminded me of the importance of keeping our family safe and protected.

Marie’s hand reached across the space between us, her fingers gently entwining with mine. The simple act of her touch sent a spark of electricity coursing through me, igniting a desire that had been smoldering beneath the surface for far too long. It was a temptation I could no longer ignore, and I could see in her eyes that she felt the same.

As our fingers interlocked, our gazes locked in a silent understanding. The room seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us, suspended in a moment of longing and unspoken words. The pull between us had grown undeniable, impossible to resist any longer.

Marie hesitated, her words laced with vulnerability before she finally talked. “Jesse, there’s something I need to say. Something I’ve been feeling for a long time.”

I looked at her, my heart pounding in my chest. “What is it, Marie?” I could tell that this was going to be heavy, even before she spoke.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke the words that had been on her mind for so long. “I… have been attracted to you. For a long time now.”

My breath caught in my throat. I couldn’t believe she was saying this out loud. It must have been the danger in the air making her more honest than she should be. I knew that really, this was my time to shut it down, but I guess I was tired too. I was too exhausted and fraught from the danger. I couldn’t hide it any longer.

“Marie.” A jolt of emotion bolted through me. This was really hard. “I have feelings for you, too.”

Our confession hung in the air, a fragile moment of truth that had the power to change everything. The undeniable connection between us had finally been laid bare, and we couldn’t ignore it any longer. It was becoming too big, too intense, we couldn’t push it aside any longer.

“I love you,” she whispered, leaning her head on my shoulder. She felt so comfortable there, it was insane. Like she was always meant to be there. “That’s what I really want to say. Not just that I have feelings for you, but that I’m pretty sure it’s love. Like, deep love, you know? Once in a lifetime type love.”

Oh wow. I stared at her, lying on my shoulder with the stress rolling off her at long last. It seemed like she really needed to say that. “Marie, I love you, too,” I admitted. But doubt and fear still lingered. “But what we feel… It’s strong, but it’s also complicated. Your father is my best friend, and he’ll be hurt and angry if he finds out. We both know that.”

Marie nodded, her own worries mirroring mine. “I know, Jesse, and I’m scared, too. But I don’t want to die knowing I never told you how I feel. Even if there’s an age gap, obviously, and you’re my boss. I know this shouldn’t happen, but I can’t help but want it.”

I squeezed her hand a little tighter, letting her know that I felt the same way. But we both knew this couldn’t happen. Marie and I reluctantly broke apart, our hearts still pounding with the intensity of our emotions. We exchanged a knowing glance, both aware of the complicated situation we now found ourselves in. With her father just inside, discretion was of utmost importance. We could not get caught. No way.

I made my way inside the house, my steps cautious as I entered Belle’s room. The soft glow of the night light revealed her peaceful form, asleep in her bed. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched her, a surge of affection filling my heart. Gently, I lifted her into my arms, careful not to wake her. She stirred for a moment but settled back into her dreams, her small fingers curling around my shirt. I took Belle outside and said a silent goodbye to Marie before it was time for me to go home.

As I drove away from Marie’s house, Belle sleeping peacefully in the back seat, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. The revelation of our love had left me both elated and apprehensive, and I couldn’t help but ponder the complexities of our situation. The quiet hum of the engine filled the car as I navigated the darkened streets of our hamlet. The world outside was shrouded in darkness, much like the uncertainty that lingered in my heart.

I stole a glance at Belle, her innocent face relaxed in sleep. She was my world, my most precious treasure, and the thought of anything jeopardizing her safety or happiness filled me with a profound sense of protectiveness. She loved Marie, which helped a lot, but that didn’t mean we could be together, did it? Not really. Thank God I was almost home, because I needed to sleep on this so I could make some rational decisions in the morning.

However, as I parked the car and stepped out onto the porch, the exhaustion quickly turned into shock. There, waiting for me, was a real surprise. A woman from my past, the one I had tried so hard to forget. Once upon a time, I thought she was ‘the one’.

Ophelia Roberts.

My heart sank as I spotted her standing in front of the house like she belonged there. She was undeniably striking with her dark hair and brown eyes that could ensnare anyone who looked into them. But beneath that beauty lay a tumultuous, unpredictable nature that I had experienced first-hand during our tumultuous past.

Ophelia and I had once been involved in a passionate and intense relationship, but it had ended in chaos and heartbreak. She was possessive to an unhealthy degree, and her emotional instability had driven a wedge between us. After our breakup, she had become increasingly unpredictable, and the news that she was back in town filled me with dread.

My heart skipped a beat as I stared at her, disbelief washing over me. “Ophelia?” I stammered, struggling to comprehend why she was here, on my porch, in this small hamlet in Wyoming.

She looked at me with those eyes that had once drawn me in, her gaze intense and filled with longing. “Jesse,” she whispered, her voice soft and sultry, “I had to find you.”

Confusion gnawed at me as I tried to process her presence. “But why, Ophelia? What could you possibly want with me? Things ended badly and I thought we planned to never see one another again.”

She stepped closer, a seductive smile playing on her lips. “Jesse, that was then. Things can be different now.”

I took a step back, my heart pounding in my chest. “No, Ophelia. Nothing is different. What are you doing?”

Despite my words, she moved even closer, her intent clear. She reached out to touch my face, and I instinctively pulled away. The memories of our tumultuous past flooded my mind, and I knew that giving in to her advances would only lead to more heartache.

She tried to kiss me, her lips brushing against mine, but I turned my head to avoid her. “Ophelia, please,” I pleaded, my voice filled with desperation. “You need to go. This can’t happen.”

“You don’t want this?” She wiggled her eyebrows playfully. “That doesn’t make any sense. You always want this.”

“No, Ophelia,” I said, my voice firm despite the tremor of fear running through me. “I don’t want this anymore. You need to leave. Now.”

Her playful expression twisted into one of anger, and she crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t believe you,” she hissed. “You’ve always wanted me, Jesse. What’s changed?”

“I’ve changed,” I replied, trying to keep my tone steady. “I have a daughter now. I have responsibilities. I can’t go back to the way things were.”

“Responsibilities,” she spat the word like it was poison. “You mean Marie and that brat, Belle?”

Her words stung, and my hands clenched into fists at my sides. How did she always seem to know so much about me? It was utterly unnerving. “Don’t you dare talk about them that way. Belle is my daughter, and Marie is...”

“What? Your new lover?” Ophelia interrupted, her voice rising. “Do you really think she can replace me?”

“Marie is my friend, and Belle’s caretaker,” I said, trying to remain calm. “You need to leave, Ophelia.”

Her eyes flashed with rage, and she took a step closer. “I’m not going anywhere, Jesse. You can’t just push me away. I won’t let you.”

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my cool. “If you don’t leave, I’ll have no choice but to call the police.”

Ophelia’s eyes widened, and for a moment, I thought she might back down. But then she laughed, a high, hysterical sound that sent chills down my spine. “You think you can scare me with the police? I’ve been through worse, Jesse. Much worse.”

“Ophelia, please,” I said, my voice breaking. “For both our sakes, just go.”

“No!” she screamed, lunging forward and grabbing my arm. Her nails dug into my skin, and I winced in pain. “You don’t get to tell me what to do. Not after everything we’ve been through.”

“Let go of me,” I said through gritted teeth, trying to pull my arm free.

But she only tightened her grip, her eyes wild and desperate. “I won’t let you go, Jesse. You’re mine. You’ve always been mine.”

The sound of Belle’s cry cut through the tension, and I used the distraction to yank my arm free. “Get away from me, Ophelia,” I said, stepping back. “Stay away from my family.”Her face contorted with frustration and anger as she realized I wasn’t going to give in. “Fine, Jesse,” she spat, her voice dripping with bitterness. “But don’t think this is over. I’ll find a way back into your life. I always do, don’t I?”

“Not when it’s been years…”

“Jesse, you will always want me.”

As Ophelia stormed off, leaving me in a whirlwind of emotions, I knew I had to shift my focus back to my daughter, Belle. She was my top priority and ensuring her safety and well-being was paramount. No matter what was going on.

I approached the house cautiously, mindful of not waking Belle in my arms. The events of the evening had undoubtedly left her frightened and confused, and I wanted to provide her with the comfort and security she needed. Gently, I opened the front door and stepped inside, being as quiet as possible. The house was dimly lit, and the soft glow of a lamp in the living room illuminated our path. I made my way to Belle’s room, to lay her peacefully in her bed.

Kneeling down beside her, I brushed a few strands of hair from her face and watched her sleeping form. Despite the chaos that had unfolded earlier, she seemed to have found some solace in her dreams. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of love and protectiveness for my daughter, a feeling that had only grown stronger over time.

As I made my way to my bedroom to finally rest, my thoughts inevitably turned to Marie, the woman who had captured my heart in ways I had never imagined. I much preferred to think about her than Ophelia. Even though nothing could really happen between us, she was more my future, and Ophelia was my past. I thought about her smile, her laugh, the way she made me feel, and that came with me all the way into the depths of my dreams…

In my dreams, Marie told me that she loved me once more before she leaned in, wanting to feel my lips on hers. My hand lingered on her waist, holding her close, and pulling her closer towards me. It was magical, mystical, perfect. The kiss was amazing, better than I ever thought it could be.

With deliberate movements, I undid the buttons of Marie’s dress, revealing her curves and the delicate lace bra underneath. I couldn’t resist brushing my fingers along her smooth skin, sending an obvious wave of pleasure through her body. Meanwhile, she unbuttoned my shirt, exposing my muscular torso and the trail of hair leading to my groin, which she seemed to take great pleasure in. Our touches became more fervent, fueled by the intense desire burning between us.

Slowly, I slid Marie’s dress off her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. She stepped out of it, wearing nothing but her lacy bra and high heels. I smiled appreciatively, admiring her beauty as she stood before me, vulnerable yet powerful.

In response, Marie reached for my belt, slowly undoing it and letting my pants fall to the ground. My erection sprang forth, hard and proud, revealing my arousal. She took it in her hands, gently stroking the length of it, feeling the power she held over me.

My deep voice broke the silence, “I want you so badly, Marie, you have no idea.”

She looked up at me, our eyes locking, conveying our mutual desire.

A sense of urgency overtook us as we finally reached the bed.

Marie sat down on the edge, allowing me to take control. I positioned myself between her legs, my hands skimming her thighs, causing shivers to run through her body. With gentle but firm movements, I lifted her leg over my shoulder, opening her fully to my exploration.

She looked at me with desire-filled eyes, inviting me to continue. “Take your time,” she breathed, her words making my cock twitch in anticipation. Slowly, I dipped my head, taking one of her nipples into my mouth, drawing it into my hot tongue.

Marie arched her back, throwing her head back in ecstasy. My hand moved between her legs, finding her wet and ready for me. Gently, I pushed a finger inside her, eliciting a moan from her lips. She tightened around my finger, her body craving my touch even more.

I knew she needed release, and I wanted to give it to her. I craved that. Pulling away from her breast, I kissed my way down her body, stopping at her hips to tease her with my tongue, then continuing down to her inner thigh.

I nibbled at her sensitive flesh, making her shiver and squirm, unable to contain her desire. With each gentle bite, she let out a gasp, signaling her pleasure.

My lips trailed back up her body, stopping once again at her chest, sucking on her nipple as I kneaded her breast. Marie moaned loudly, her head thrown back, lost in the moment. She reached down, grabbing my hair, pulling me towards her.

“Please, Jesse,” she whispered, begging for my attention. “I need you, I need you…”

I could feel it, sense it, and I couldn’t wait to give her everything that she wanted and more. So much more. It was going to be a long night, and I wasn’t about to let this woman go, ever. She was everything . Maybe I couldn’t have her in real life, but in my dreams, I could do whatever I wanted to her body and that was something I needed to take full advantage of.