Wildling

~~~Ember’s POV~~~

The drive to the pack was filled with Jaxson’s deep rumble as he talked about how the pack worked. Apparently, the pack was set in the woods so hopefully I’d feel more at home. The pack house was a giant log cabin. It usually held the unmated wolves as well as the higher ranked wolves like Sean, Ash, and Jaxson. The higher ranks had an apartment, soundproof of course, on the top floor. There were other cabins and stone cottages sprinkled throughout the territory. Despite being the pack of our Alpha King, it was still relatively small, with about 200 members maintaining 150 acres of land. There was a large gym for training purposes, a school, even small shops and cafes. There was a main dirt road that the shops sat by and the pack house laid at the end of that road. Most of the other houses were several miles from each other and didn’t stay near the road. The town was surrounded by trees on all sides and felt very secluded and serene. Jaxson thinks I’ll like it here since it had the same feel as my cabin, just less lonely.

Jaxson said it was designed to limit how much they had to interact with humans. They had a large garden to farm for their food, they hunted for meat. They had a small grocery store to help supply the pack with necessities.

As we turned onto the dirt road that led to the pack house, my nerves shot through the roof. My leg bounced relentlessly, and my hands felt clammy. I had never been one to be super nervous about meeting people, but I’ve been on my own for 5 years. Jaxson reaches over, placing his hand on my knee to still it, giving me a slight squeeze of reassurance.

“It will be fine, Em. You won’t be alone.” I gave him a strained smile as I tried to take a deep breath. I refocused myself on looking at the scenery. Jaxson was right, it is quite serene here. The buildings were spread far enough apart so it didn’t look packed. A few people ambled around, curiously looking as our car drove by. Sean and Ash has already arrived at the pack house and sent out a mass message saying their beta had found his mate. Jaxson said it would be easiest to be introduced to everyone at the same time. Cue nerves again. We reached to the end of the dirt road as it made a roundabout turn at the front doors of the pack house. The house itself was gorgeous. Large enough to house the pack and kept with the serene feeling. It looked like a luxury mountain getaway. Jaxson had told me that training grounds and gardens were behind the pack house.

Jaxson killed the engine and gave me a giant smile. At least he was excited. “You ready?” He murmured.

“As I’ll ever be.” He squeezes my hand and exited the car after telling me to leave Accalia in the back until the pack cleared out. I hesitated for a moment as I watched the pack begin to gather, curious to see who the betas mate is. Maybe I should have changed. I was still in my black pants, combat boots, hoodie and corset. My knives were still attached to my thigh, but my bow and quiver sat in the back of the car. I suddenly felt naked without it. I had hesitated enough that Jaxson had enough time to come around and open my door for me.

He grabbed my hand and helped me out of the car. I heard murmuring as the pack got the first look at me. Or maybe it was my scent. Jaxson gave them all a warning glare and things quieted down.

I kept my back straight and stared at who was gathered head on. I won’t show them a weakness. The majority of looks on everyone’s face were more curiosity than anything. I did catch a few glares from a few young she-wolves. I guess most people would call them bimbos. Just from one look I could tell they craved status and nothing more. They will grow to regret that decision. I internally chastised them. They glared as Jaxson’s arm wrapped around me.

One blonde barbie dared to speak even before Jaxson had uttered a word. “But she’s human.” Clearly this bitch didn’t care if I had been told they were wolves or not. She was determined to show everyone how pathetic I am for being human. Jaxson tensed at her words before Sean cut in.

“That’s enough Ashley. It doesn’t matter if she’s human, she is Jaxson’s mate that’s all that matters. You’re just lucky she knows about wolves or Jaxson would be well within his right to punish you.” She paled a bit at his last words and shut her mouth. Sean gestured for Jaxson to continue.

“Everyone this is my mate Ember. Please treat her with as much respect as you show me. If you don’t, I’ve given her full authorization to beat anyone’s ass who is rude.” I started at Jaxson’s words although I could see Sean nodding his head in agreement. Did he really have to say that right off the bat? I want to make a good impress not scare them off. I sent Jax a slight glare in which he returned a smug smile.

I guess I shouldn’t worry too much as I heard chuckles spread amongst the men. I could barely contain my smirk. Sneaking a peak at Jaxon, he winked down to me, unable to hold back his smile.

“You will all have time to get better acquainted but for now let’s let her settle in.” Sean left no room for argument.

The pack dispersed leaving behind a couple, standing together watching us. The woman was petite, her brown hair had wisps of gray that curled gently to her shoulders. She had hazel eyes that held warmth and kindness. She was bouncing excitedly on her feet with a giant smile on her face. The man was about a foot taller than the woman. He was still fairly fit yet sported a small pooch to his belly. His dark brown hair was peppered with grays and his face was covered in a short beard. But his eyes, they were identical to Jaxson’s. While the woman looked excited, the man stood with a curious expression on his face. He seemed almost puzzled.

I imagine my face looks similar; I swear I’ve seen him before. Jaxson gently guided me towards the couple who I’m assuming now are his parents.

“Ember these are my parents. Edward and Inez. Mom and dad this is my mate Ember.” Inez couldn’t contain her excitement as she rushed forward to throw me into a crushing hug.

“Oh, my baby found his mate!” She drew back to look at me. A brief look flickered across her face as she looked at my eyes. No doubt it was off putting, having two separate colors with a scar running down one. “It took him long enough to find you! I want grand babies!” My heart plummeted to my feet as I glanced at Jaxson wondering what to do. He looked at me worriedly. How do we breach this subject? I just met these people. Luckily, Jaxson took the reins.

“Umm we haven’t discussed that yet mom. Leave it be.” He stared at her pointedly and she seemed to get the message.

“Well let me look at you dear.” She put me at arm’s length, still holding on to my hands. “You are absolutely beautiful, it’s so wonderful to meet you.” I smiled at her.

“Thank you. It’s great to meet you too.” I feel completely out of my comfort zone and I’m pretty sure I’m coming off as a constipated, uncultivated, awkward human. Just great.

Inez stepped back so that Edward could make his greeting. He stepped forward and grasp my hand in a shake. I kept my grip steady and firm. He glanced at our hands briefly with an eyebrow raised before he looked back to me. “Nice to meet you Ember. A firm shake you have there, for a human.” His eyes scanned my face again, the same curious look.

“Nice to meet you sir.” He smiled and laughed lightly.

" Call me Edward. We aren’t formal here.” I nodded. “So, tell us about yourself Ember. Where did Jaxson find you?”

Jaxson again took the lead. My past is becoming even more of a burden to hide. “Ember actually saved my life.” Their eyebrows shot up in surprise as I stood there awkwardly.

“What?! How?! Are you ok? Why didn’t you tell us!” Inez grilled into Jaxson.

“Um hunters were after me. Something we need to discuss with Sean later, but someone told the hunters I was going to be in town. They cornered me and shot me.” Inez gasped at this, her hands trembling as she thought about her only child possibly dying. “I ran for it but I couldn’t shift so I just kept running. Ember had heard the noise caused by the hunters and came to see what was happening. She had help though.” He motioned for me to get Accalia now that we were the only ones left.

I walked to the car and opened the door, a slight whistle gliding past my lips. Accalia bounded out excited to see where we had traveled to. Inez and Edward gasped as I walked back to them, Accalia staying right at my side. I kept my hand on her head calming her and assuring her that they were friends.

“This is Accalia.” They looked at her in wonder.

“Jaxson, she looks like Ares!” Inez marveled at the likeness she had to Jaxson’s wolf.

He nodded in agreement. “Anyway. Accalia found me first but the hunters were going to kill her. That’s when Ember stepped in. She had apparently run into Travis multiple times and they didn’t like her. But they knew not to bother her, so they left after promising to return.”

Edward quirked his eyebrow as if to say Hunters would really be afraid of this girl before me?

“She’s an amazing fighter. Just ask Sean.” Jaxson couldn’t contain his laugh.

“Hey, I heard that!” Sean leaped down the steps of the pack house, trotting over to us before slinging his arm over my shoulder. Jaxson’s parents amused at his behavior. “He’s right though. I hate to admit it. I’ve decided to ask Ember to train the warriors.” The older couple looked shocked as they appraised me. I seriously feel like a science experiment right now. Sean gave me a side hug before saying goodbye and running back off.

Edward continued to stare at me causing me to shuffle my feet in discomfort. He noticed. “Forgive me for staring. You just look familiar and your name is the same one that a friend of mine named his daughter. He was the alpha to a pack that got overtaken. He died several years ago.” I gulped, now I know why he was familiar. He was my dad’s friend. He had visited the pack several times when I was a child. Luckily, I look different now so hopefully he won’t actually put the connection together.

Jaxson looked quizzically at me. “I’m sorry to hear that.” I murmured trying to keep my voice from wavering. He nodded, dropping the topic.

“Well, I should get Ember settled in.” Jaxson walked back to the car and grabbed our bags, handing me my bow and quiver which I slipped over my shoulder.

They nodded and were about to leave when a car tumbled up to the pack house. Jaxson tensed up but his parents didn’t seem concerned as the driver stepped out. I swiveled my head a bit to see who it was.

My blood ran cold. Jaxson seemed to notice my ashen face and gripped my shoulder to calm me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sean and Ash come out of the house with rigid forms. I couldn’t comprehend anything apart from who was walking towards us. He still hadn’t seen me other than a vague figure.

“Is there a human here?” His disgusting voice reached my ears and I trembled in rage.

What the fuck is he doing here?!

My hand inched towards my larger knife, gripping the hilt.

He will die today.