A Wolf's Duty

Chapter One

Meetings were truly the bane of his existence Tobias decided as he was forced to sit through yet another painfully boring session with his council of advisors. They weren’t discussing anything he had not heard before at some point in time. They had, after all, been going through the same motions for the last two hundred years. Being royalty isn’t all it’s thought to be, he mentally scoffed allowing his mind to wander. These meetings rarely needed his active input, so long as he nodded and made the correct noises of agreement occasionally, the twelve other figures that surrounded the table believed he was paying attention. It was a skill he had learnt early on.

He supposed that wealth was one of the benefits of his position. Even though they were sitting in a private setting that no one else would see, they were still surrounded by riches and luxury. The table that they were currently seated around could have been made simply from wood but that was not the case. The rich mahogany table was instead inlaid with ornate patterns wrought in gold. Ancient tapestries and paintings adorned the stone walls and the room itself was large enough to comfortably seat at least fifty people instead of the mere thirteen that currently filled it.

He allowed his mind to wander until he heard a statement that brought him to attention, immediately demanding he was alert.

Your highness, it’s time you found a mate, the Council's chairman, Adam, intoned. As was typical of their people Adam’s appearance was frozen at the prime of his life and though there were at least three hundred years separating them, he looked no older than thirty-five years old. His short cut blonde hair didn’t contain any greys and there were no lines around his blue eyes.

Tobias groaned, inwardly bracing himself for what was to come. All eleven other members of the council seated around the table nodded eagerly.

You’re aware of the law of succession, your majesty. You can’t claim the throne without a mate and the definite chance of a legitimate heir.

Shaking his head in astonishment, he quickly grinned at Adam, baring his elongated canines. Scanning the familiar faces, he found that they were all frowning at him, even those he usually considered allies. I’m aware of the law.

You can’t expect your father to rule forever. He has sat on the throne for five hundred years, he deserves to retire and you’re his last surviving son. You must take over, Adam continued.

Again, I’m aware of those facts, but you act as though I’m avoiding taking a mate when you should all be well aware that nothing could be further from the truth. I’ve searched our clans vigorously and haven’t come across my mate, so my father will simply have to hold onto his crown. It isn’t as though he does not find enjoyment in being supreme ruler of our people. Kingship isn’t that much of a hardship. I’ve waited more than two hundred years, which is almost unheard of, therefore it only makes sense that she will arrive soon enough. As my mother is constantly telling me gentlemen, patience is a virtue. I’m surprised that this council of advisors is so lacking in something that’s so important.

My prince, the clans grow restless; they want you on the throne, another inserted.

Well they can want all they like, he snapped. My father is a good King, they’ll have to be content with that. There’s nothing more I can do, I can’t magic a mate out of nowhere.

My Prince perhaps you should consider taking one of the high born ladies as your Princess. At the suggestion, silence filled the room and all eyes turned nervously to the Prince awaiting his reaction.

Are you insane!? he roared, throwing his chair back as he stood.

How dare you even suggest such an act? This meeting is over! His stormy grey eyes flashed amber and his voice became rougher as his fragile control on his anger began to slip. If you want your hearts to remain beating within your chests then I suggest you never mention such a thing again. I’ll only take my true mate as my princess and if the people don’t like my decision then they can either deal with it or find themselves a new Prince. It’s that simple. I won’t choose them over her as they should well know. None of our mated males would choose me or any member of the royal family over their mates and I won’t do so either. I’ll wait!

Striding from the table he flung open the double doors shattering their intricate glass panes in his anger. Walking down the long stone path that led to his parents’ suite, he felt his anger multiply as he dwelled on what he just heard. Take a false mate! The very idea makes my stomach churn. I should have killed them all for even allowing one of their number to make such a suggestion.

Mother! Father! he yelled upon entering their opulent and richly designed suite. In his anger, the deep red that covered their walls only served to increase his bloodlust and make him regret not spilling the blood of the advisory council.

What is it, dearest one? his mother asked, deeply concerned as to the reason for his obvious anger. Standing from her golden chaise and rising to her full height, she quickly cleared the distance between them. Laying a pale hand on his tanned forearm, she pulled him into the suite’s living room attempting to gain a degree of privacy. Although over six hundred years old, the queen’s features remained frozen in time so she no longer appeared to age past thirty years. Her long red hair fell in waves down her back and piercing grey eyes roamed over her son’s features.

Those imbeciles, that have the gall to refer to themselves as my advisors, made a suggestion to me.

Obviously you didn’t agree with it. The loud voice of the King joined their discussion as he reclaimed his mate’s hand and drew her back to the chaise, his large frame seemingly overwhelming her more slender one. Smiling widely at his last surviving son, regardless of Tobias' obvious anger, he ran a hand through the dark curls he had passed on to Tobias and prepared himself from the imminent tirade.

They suggested I take a mate so I could ascend to the throne, he spat out between tightly gritted teeth.

The King’s blue eyes twinkled in mischief as he discovered the source of his son’s anger. And they’re right! I want to retire while I’m still young enough to enjoy my grandchildren.

Be quiet and listen, Tobias growled. You’ll never be too old to enjoy them; you’re a werewolf for crying out loud, we’re practically immortal. It’s not the taking of a mate that has angered me; it’s who they want me to take

The queen frowned in confusion. I don’t understand.

They don’t want me to wait for my true mate, they think I should just take one of our noble ladies. I’m even fairly confident that one or two would take me, regardless of their real future mates. He internally winced as one in particular came to mind. What a mistake that was. He mentally sighed as a vision of a woman with long blond hair, vibrant blue eyes and an angelic face floated through his mind.

The King’s eyes narrowed and his muscles tensed in shock. Did you kill them? The quietness of his voice made both the queen and Tobias realise that the King too was now angry. His temper demonstrated in the opposite way of his son with his normally warm demeanour becoming cold and as frosty as ice.

No.

I’ll do it for you then. He stood raising his gaze slightly to directly meet the eyes of his son. A suggestion like that is tantamount to treason in my eyes, and I won’t suffer such fools to live. You must wait for your mate no matter how long the wait is; she’s the only one for you. Don’t stray from your belief that you will find her. I’ll remain on the throne until you do, even if that means I’m King for another five hundred years.

Thank you father; I’m sure she’s out there, I just have to find her.

*****

Alexandria! Alexandria! The frantic voice of her mother swiftly ejected her from the peaceful utopia her book had immersed her in and thrust her swiftly back to the harsh realities of her life. Looking around her surroundings briefly, she took in the familiar smallness of her almost closet like room her eyes landing briefly on her few possessions. The second-hand bed creaked beneath her as she shifted, glancing at her battered desk and even more battered wardrobe, before coming to land on her prized possession; a small shelf containing the few books her mum had managed to buy her, often at great cost to herself. As she smiled her thoughts turned to her loving mother before the woman in question burst through her door.

Alexandria hide! she whispered, her tone urgent. Momentarily frozen by the wild look on her mother’s face she failed to respond, prompting her mum to grab her by the arm and pull her from the warm bed.

Dragging her across the small room, she opened the wardrobe door before thrusting Alexandria within its confines. At sixteen Alexandria had only just reached the 5ft mark and so Natasha bent down to pass on her warning, gently brushing one of her daughter’s wild curls from her face. Staring into bright green eyes the exact same shape and colour as her own, Natasha again cursed her weakness. Cupping her cheek Natasha's pale skin contrasted against her daughter’s caramel skin, but she didn’t see the differences between them, fear narrowing her attention until all she saw were problems and solutions.

Alex, it’s daddy, she rushed, he’s not himself.

Is he drinking again mum? He promised he wouldn’t, he swore to us.

I know sweetheart, but we haven’t got much time. Stay here. Whatever happens don’t come out. Promise me.

Natasha! Where are you? I know you slept with him! Come here you slut. I’m gonna teach you a lesson!

Both mother and daughter visibly shuddered as Fred's slurred voice echoed through the halls.

Mum, you can’t do this. He doesn’t know what he’s doing when he’s like this. Hide with me!

Where are you, you filthy whore?! His voice was closer now and their fear multiplied correspondingly.

Promise me you’ll stay here. Promise me! she hissed.

Surprised at the vehemence in her mother’s usually calm voice, Alexandria found herself nodding in agreement.

Smiling in relief, Natasha gave her a quick hug before closing the door and stepping back. Watching through a slim gap in the doors, Alex saw her father walk in.

There you are Natasha; I’ve been looking for you. Fred’s voice was sickly sweet as he approached his wife and she trembled in response as his large meaty hands clasped her shoulder. Did you think I wouldn’t find out? he raged, spittle flying in her face. I know you fucked him.

Who Fred? I don’t know what you’re talking about. I haven’t slept with anyone honey, I love you, you know that. She smiled gently, hoping to convince him of her innocence.

LIAR! I know you had sex with him. Just admit it. Tell me the truth you slut. He shook her with every word, convinced of her guilt.

Help us, someone help us. Alexandria thought, hoping against all odds that someone would come to their aid. I’ll even take one of his drinking friends right now. I’m desperate, someone help us. Her mind screamed though no sound emerged from her mouth.

Displeased with Natasha’s silence, Fred decided to try a different tactic. Where’s the kid she’ll tell me the truth about your whoring ways. Where is she?

Natasha’s eyes widened in fear for her daughter and what would happen to her if she were found and her usual weakness momentarily disappeared. I did it, she mumbled. The lies felt like cotton in her mouth, but she continued for her daughter’s sake. She’d never survive one of his rages, she’s so small. I fucked him. Fred’s grip loosened, his arms instead forming fists at his sides. BITCH! he yelled, slapping her full across the face and sending her spinning into Alexandria's desk. Her head hit a sharp corner and she slumped to the ground.

Forgetting her mother’s earlier warning Alexandria sprung from the closet quickly reaching Natasha's side. Mum. Mum, she sobbed, reaching over to gently shake her. Wake up mum. Gently cupping her head, Alexandria was alarmed to find her small fingers quickly being covered in a warm liquid. Removing her hands she was astounded to find the liquid was red.

Blood! Mum don’t die! I love you. Oh god someone help us! she shrieked within her mind, her body numb and unresponsive to her demands.

…someone help us! The anguished cry tore through Tobias’ mind forcing him to leave the land of sleep. His fangs were fully elongated and dripping with the desire to maim and destroy. His eyes had shifted to their predatory amber, easily piercing the darkness of his room. Looking down at his hands he found that they had become claws and in his transition, had shredded the bedding. The cry came again, stronger and he clutched his head in agony.

What the hell is going on?

Help us, the voice sobbed.

Who are you?

Either the voice couldn’t hear him or was choosing to ignore him but no response was given but the tears continued and each felt like a knife to Tobias’ heart.

Stop crying, you’re killing me here, he snapped clutching his chest as his heart continued to stutter in time with her tears. The tears continued regardless, forcing him to adopt a different method. Calming his ragged breaths, he tried to reach for the person on the other end, forcing himself past his physical limits. He felt his mind calm and centre on hers and he enveloped her in his strength and warmth. The sobs stopped and he breathed deep in relief, as the scent of vanilla entered his nose his eyes snapped open and the connection was broken.

My mate, he whispered in awe as his body’s reaction became clear. She’s young, no wonder I hadn’t found her yet. A frown appeared on his face as he remembered the tone of her voice and her anxious words. She’s hurt. Someone had the audacity to harm what’s mine, he snarled, ripping the remains of the shredded sheets from himself and standing. He felt his muscles tense, urging him to change fully and enact revenge on her behalf. I’m coming for you little one. I’ll find you soon enough.

Chapter Two

4 years later

Alex! Alex! Get your lazy ass out of bed before I drag you out of it! Fred’s voice easily woke her from her sleep. She was a light sleeper, she had learned to be and it had kept her from major harm over the years. Scrambling out of bed in response to his summons, she quickly pulled on a large shirt over her small pyjama top, money was tight and new clothes that fit her were a rare thing and so she had to make do with what was available.

No time for shoes, she thought glancing briefly at her battered pair of trainers before looking out of her window at the rising sun. It doesn’t look that cold, if he locks me out again I’ll survive. The last time he had done such a thing, it had snowed and she had been sure that her toes would be frostbitten but the neighbours had begun to complain and he had been forced to let her back in.

Hurrying down the corridor she quickly appeared in the kitchen guessing that was where her father’s voice had come from. She forced her breathing to even out, as Fred disliked it immensely when she was huffing to catch her breath and judging from the look of disgust on his face she was going to need every advantage she could get this morning. Standing in the doorway she briefly took in the monster known as her father, finding it hard to believe that they were actually related. His dark skin had become sallow from years of alcohol abuse and his face was etched with deep frown lines, Fred wasn’t a man known for laughter. His large belly seemed to grow each year and she briefly wondered if he would one day be unable to stand up right at the rate it seemed to grow. She met his gaze and saw that his dark brown eyes had narrowed to slits. Bugger, I shouldn’t have just stood here like an idiot. Now I’m in trouble. Despite her natural instinct to turn and run, experience had taught her that that would only result in further injury and so she shuffled forward.

What took you so long? Fred snapped.

Lowering her head and pointedly refusing to meet his gaze, she waited for him to get to the point. Experience had again taught her that he didn’t want an answer to that question.

A moment of silence passed before Fred continued. It’s Friday, he noted.

Alexandria inwardly groaned at the reminder. I must be the only person alive who hates Friday, a whole week gone already and tomorrow will be Saturday and I’ll be stuck here, with him. And work has so graciously gone and given me the entire weekend off. I told them I didn’t want it but they were so insistent. She almost groaned aloud as the memory came to the front of her mind.

She had been speaking to her manager Ruth, who had just returned from a week holiday in Barbados and was determined to spread the joy.

You know Alex, I can’t remember the last time you had a day off, Ruth commented offhand.

That’s because she’s never taken one. A passing co-worker inserted before moving on.

That’s ridiculous, Ruth spluttered. You’ve been working here almost two years and you’ve never had a day off? You’re taking one. She insisted.

No it’s ok Ruth, I don’t really want one and I need the money.

Everybody needs a day off work once in a while and you’re a student too, I’m sorry but you can’t need the money that badly. Plus I don’t want to be accused of over working my employees. You’re taking this weekend off and that’s the end of this conversation. She turned on her heel and left before Alex could even try to contradict her.

Bugger, she swore as Ruth left her line of sight, a whole weekend with Fred. Forty-eight whole hours with the monster in that prison…I’ll be lucky if I can even walk on Monday.

Pulling her mind out of the past and back to the present she was relieved to find that Fred hadn’t said anything while her mind was strolling memory lane, apparently waiting for a response. Oh, yeah it is.

It’s also the last Friday of the month which means you get paid today.

I was hoping he’d forget that. I don’t know why I even get my hopes up anymore. He never forgets to take my money.

My friends are coming round tonight. I want you to take the money and buy us some drinks. Make sure you get some vodka, the good stuff. I expect it to be here when we get back.

She lifted her head and her mouth had opened before she could censor the words that left it. All that alcohol isn’t good for you.

If possible, his eyes managed to narrow further and he gave her a thorough once over, starting from her legs and intensely scanning the short distance between them and her eyes. His gaze locked with her own and she noted in horror that the vein on the side of his head was thick and pulsating. Gasping at the realisation she dropped her head so her chin was tucked firmly against her chest. Fred pushed himself off from the counter that he had been leaning on and walked over to his daughter. Grasping her chin between his fat fingers he squeezed and pulled her head up so that their eyes once again met.

You know every year that passes, you remind me more and more of that slut, your mother. Yeah, your skins not the same but your eyes... those eyes of yours are exactly the same. Sometimes she would even have the nerve to talk back and disagree with me just like you just did.

Alexandria fought back the tears that threatened to emerge as a result of his words; she knew where this speech ended and didn’t want to give him the pleasure of seeing her cry. His fingers left her face before his palm returned, slapping her full across the face. Struggling for balance she felt her head spin and struggled to regain sense of her surroundings.

The drinks had better be here when I get back; no excuses.

Her eyes shut tight she fought to distract her mind from the throbbing in her cheek. He turned away and she judged from his footsteps that he was leaving, her thoughts were confirmed when she heard the loud slam of the door. Knowing that he was gone, she allowed herself to crumple to the ground and let the tears fall. Feeling her already bruised ribs protest at her position she struggled to her feet, leaning against a wall as tears blurred her vision. Forcing her legs to comply she made it to her room and threw herself onto the bed. Forcing a hand into the pillowcase she pulled out her most prized possession, a picture of her and her mother together.

I’m almost there mum. I’m almost free. I’ll be twenty one in about a month with qualifications and then I’m out of here. I’ve nearly got enough for plane tickets although I’m not sure how I’m gonna get the rest of the money. Fred’s keeping an even tighter grip on any money I get, but I’ll do it mum, for you. I’ll be free and live to the fullest for both of us.

The tears cleared as she felt a familiar warmth envelop her mind. Thank you, she whispered to the unknown sensation. I don’t know what I’d have done without you, probably gone crazy. Gone crazy? she chuckled. I’m thanking a foreign feeling in my head. I AM crazy. Looking over at the small clock on the wall she jolted out of bed. I’m going to be late, she shrieked dressing quickly for university.

Her going to university had been the one thing that her mother had fought Fred for when she was alive and Alex intended to ensure that her mother’s wish to see her complete her studies would come true. While she was aware that she was an adult and it was well with in her rights to simply leave Fred and never come back here again, things had never worked out well for her when she had tried to leave in the past. Grabbing her bag, she thanked whatever forces were out there that she had packed it the night before and headed out the door. Twenty-one, a degree, sweet freedom and a new life away from here. Everything I do, I do for those goals. I have to take each day a step at a time. Pretty soon it will bye bye Fred and hello world.

*****

Leaning against a heavily leaved oak tree, Tobias allowed the shade to hide his features as he calmly watched the students walk on to the university’s campus. The campus was fairly small, with only a few buildings dedicated to teaching itself, so he guessed that it didn’t have all that may students, but the number of students was irrelevant, as he only wanted to find one. After four years of searching he had finally managed to track her down and so he waited, confident that she would soon appear.

As a lone figure approached the building his head shot up as his mate’s scent floated into his nostrils and he breathed deep relishing the strong scent that replaced the faint one that had been his only guide on this hunt. His claws unsheathed and he had to dig them into the tree at his back to prevent himself from simply grabbing her and taking her away. Instead he contented himself with watching her from afar to learn all he could.

The first thing he noticed was that his mate was small, she couldn’t have been more than 5"2 and from her perspective he’d likely tower over her. Her clothes were ill-fitting hiding her figure from his gaze and he found himself frowning at their state of disrepair. Her hair was thick and curly tied back although a few strands had escaped their confinement and seemed to be causing her problems, judging from the way her hand would constantly rise in an attempt to hold it behind an ear before the errant strand fell again into her face. He smiled at her actions, immensely pleased with what he had seen of his mate so far. His gaze came to rest on her face and he felt his heart skip a beat as their eyes met. Hidden as he was in shadow, he knew she couldn’t be looking at him and this was confirmed as her head turned and she rushed towards one of the larger buildings, but it hadn’t prevented his heart skipping a beat.

He drew in a breath taking her scent further into his mind to cement its place and make it easier to find her. As the smell was processed in his mind he realised something he had overlooked in the euphoria of his first sighting. She’s not a werewolf. He inhaled again quickly hoping to quickly memorise her smell. She’s human. He breathed deep for the third time her scent now engraved in his mind. I think. Pushing off from the tree, certain of his ability to find her at anytime he strolled away from the building to inform his parents and advisors that he had found his mate.

Although it was rare for a werewolf’s mate to be human, it wasn’t unheard of and this was his true mate regardless of her human heritage. She’ll be under my protection when I mark her and no one would be stupid enough to try and harm her then. And if anyone is that stupid, I’ll gut them as a warning to others.

Chapter Three

Disregarding the feeling that she was being watched, Alexandria hurried into the building, slightly annoyed that her clock had once again informed her of the wrong time, so now instead of being late she was early. I hate being early; I never have anything to do or anyone to talk to. Although I suppose it’s not all that different from any other time during the day. I mean, who would want to be seen with me. Hell, not even I want to be seen with me. That’s life I guess. Her heart dropped as she saw Emily with her two cronies flanking her on either side coming down the hall and by the looks of it they were headed directly for her. This just isn’t fair, she groaned as the trio stood directly in front of her, their Barbie like leader smiling coldly at her.

Now look what we have here, it’s raggedy Ann, Emily laughed.

Rolling her eyes at the implied insult Alex shrugged. My name is Alex not Ann.

Don’t you feel embarrassed? I’d never leave my house dressed like that. I’d kill myself before I let myself be seen in public like that, Emily continued, her blue eyes radiating contempt.

I’d have thought people grew out of this by now, she groaned.

Maybe it’s because she doesn’t have a mum. One of the females surrounding Emily suggested, causing Alex’s jaw to tighten while her hands formed fists.

Yeah, Emily agreed, she lost her at such a young age but then if she was my kid then I wouldn't want to hang around either...

The rest of Emily’s tirade faded into the background as Alexandria tried to fight her instincts and to punch her enemy regardless of the gathering crowd.

Don’t, she mentally chastised, she’s not worth it and I can’t afford to start another fight.

She wrapped her arms around her bruised ribs as she remembered the beating she had been given by Fred after causing a fight. She had been forced to leave the campus and had been asked not to return for a week. A week with Fred and his incessant need for alcohol had almost meant a trip to the emergency room in the hospital.

If I got another beating like that I’d probably end up breaking a rib and I have to stay with him for two days. She shivered at the thought. Two days may not have been as bad as a week but it was still something she would rather not experience.

You guys just aren’t worth the trouble, she sighed walking around them and ignoring the voice in the back of her mind that was begging her to teach them a lesson.

Why is it that when I want time to grind to a halt it just rushes by? Alexandria groaned as she walked along the darkening road towards the off licence. After the incident with Emily and company the day had sped past her, actually amazing her with its degree of ordinariness. The story of my life, this weekend is going to feel like an eternity I can just feel it.

As her thoughts continued to spiral further out of her control she paid less and less attention to her surroundings, walking on auto pilot until she collided with a wall and fell to the ground. Or at least it felt solid enough to be a wall but when she looked up she found herself staring into the eyes of a stranger and falling further into their thrall.

Are you hurt? The voice of the stranger washed over her and she had to resist the sudden urge to close her eyes and relish the sound like she savoured the occasional bar of chocolate she managed to acquire. He bent down and his hand on her arm was like a wake up call for her common sense to return. Snatching her arm away from him she hastily stood up, gathering her bag and dusting off her clothes. Clutching the arm he had touched close to her chest she was disconcerted to find that she could still feel the imprint of his warm fingers on her skin.

I’m fine thank you very much, she snapped. It sometimes paid to be rude, it meant people were less likely to accost you on your way home. That had been a painful lesson to learn but one she was grateful for nonetheless. No thanks to you, you should watch were you’re walking.

As she looked at the stranger, she found it was more difficult than it normally was to issue the barbed words that were meant to flow from her mouth in this situation. Everything about the man in front of her drew her in, calming her. The odd cadence of his accented voice, his ageless grey eyes. Even the heavy muscle that covered his body was appealing though in any other situation it would have been terrifying. She couldn’t explain her out of character reaction to this man and as he continued to speak, drawing her further into his enticing web, she found she was no longer as concerned as she had initially been.

I was watching, he laughed. I watched you walk down this road and saw your eyes glaze over as your mind wandered off and then I watched you walk right into me.

You’re a regular comedian, she retorted, not amused at with his observation of her mistake.

No I’m not, he stated simply. I’m Tobias. He held out his hand expectantly.

Staring at his empty hand for a moment, she almost spluttered in disbelief as her hand took on a will of its own and placed itself within his grasp. The warmth from his palm seemed to spread out, quickly covering her entire body in its heat. Alexandria.

Alexandria, he muttered seemingly rolling the word on his tongue to get the best fit. Alexandria. He frowned confused as to why it didn’t sound as he intended. That’s what everyone calls you?

Well, no. Most people usually shorten it to Alex.

If that’s what all the others call you, then I think I’ll call you Xandria because I’m not like everyone else. He turned her hand over, before bending down to place a chaste kiss against the flesh.

Although it went against every thought she had ever had, she couldn’t bring herself to remove her hand from his and she found the corners of her mouth pulling upwards in a rare smile. The small smile left as quickly as it had appeared when she saw that not only was he failing to return it, but was frowning at her hand.

What? she demanded, curious as to his intent focus on her flesh.

The hand that wasn’t holding her own moved to pull up her sleeve and exposed more skin to his gaze and the furrows on his forehead deepened. What’s this? You’re hurt; there are bruises on your skin. Tell me who did this to you and I’ll make them regret laying a hand on you. His previously warm voice was now harsh and angry in its demands.

What are you talking about? He shouldn’t be able to see any bruises, my skin is dark enough that they’re not that visible and it’s dark out here.

The bruises, he reiterated, they’re finger marks I can see them. Someone grabbed you very hard to leave these bruises, did they do anything else?

I have no idea what you are talking about, she replied, the automatic response for her bruises flying from her mouth as she began to struggle to regain her hand. His grip refused to loosen but it didn’t get any tighter despite her thrashing.

Don’t lie to me, his voice demanded, his face coming closer.

I don’t know you so I have no reason not to lie to you. I don’t owe you anything. Now let go of me! she screamed.

She’s human, his mind chastised. She doesn’t understand our ways. If she were a wolf she’d understand my need to protect her, but she’s not, he realised. Taking in the flustered look on her expressive face he felt himself inwardly smile. And I wouldn’t want her