Chapter 9: Chapter Nine

Gray glanced around the inn’s backyard, looking for Beth. He found her lounging in the grass with Julian, Kiley and Jesse. The four of them had quickly become close. In just three days, Gray had already seen a calendar brought out numerous times, scheduling visits between Coyote Bluff, Tyler’s territory and Austin and Kiley’s. He foresaw a lot of traveling in his future.

The fact that just three days after he’d told Tyler he was staying in Coyote Bluff his Alpha and Kiley had organized all this was amazing. They’d already made certain Gray had some of his belongings as well as several friendly faces from home, and that meant the world to him.

“Great party,” Tyler told him, coming up and handing him a beer. “I’m a little surprised that our hosts could pull something like this together so fast. I don’t think even I could have done it.”

Gray grinned at him. “It is what they do for a living.”

Claude and Dorothy were the absolute best. They hadn’t balked at his request to host some of the Pack as his friends brought down some of his stuff. Instead, they’d made it a celebration. Everyone who had arrived in town had simply fallen in love with the community and the people, just like Gray had done. And no one had eaten Julian, either.

He chuckled at the memory of Julian’s face when all the wolves had started showing up. But, as children do, Julian had made instant friends with everyone. Jesse, Tyler’s daughter, had declared him the most awesome cat ever. He couldn’t wait to see what would happen once those two were actually able to shift.

“You seem happy,” Tyler pointed out.

Gray gazed around. “I am. I really am. Even though I don’t know what is going to happen I feel like I made the right choice staying here.”

“I agree. I was going to tell you that you would always be a member of the Pack. Always welcome, both you and Beth. The longer I spend here, I see I don’t need to.”

Gray looked at him. “No?”

“I can see your Pack is here now,” Tyler pronounced with a smile at the crowd and hugged Gray close. “Maybe it’ll be an extension of your old one or might be a different branch of a tree, but this community is as much as your pack as we’ve ever been.”

“You’ll still always be my family,” Gray whispered to his best friend. God, the two of them had been through so much together. It would be so weird not to see Tyler every day.

Tyler slapped him on the back. “Oh, I know—you’ll not get rid of us that easy. I have a pretty big job for you as well.”

“You do?” he questioned warily. Gray wasn’t ready to go on any more missions. He wanted—no, needed—to spend time in his new community. It was time for him to settle down and enjoy his life.

“Do you see the man sitting under the tree at the edge of the property?” Tyler asked.

Gray practically had to squint. The inn’s yard was huge and with all the added guests plus most of the town folk, it wasn’t easy to see who Tyler was talking about. But yes, he could see a smaller guy around his own age. Gray definitely hadn’t met him yet. “Who is he?”

“That is the only other wolf shifter in town. His name is Mark Brier,” Tyler said.

“Oh.” Gray didn’t know what to say. Beth had barely told him anything about Mark when he’d asked her. She had promised to introduce Gray, though, if she got the chance. Beth was friends with the quiet wolf shifter, but she also wanted Mark to bond with his own species as well.

“That’s where I went this morning after breakfast,” Tyler told him.

“To meet with a strange wolf shifter without back-up?” Gray growled. What in the hell had his Alpha been thinking?

Tyler smiled. “I’m an Alpha. I wasn’t in any danger.”

“Maybe not from him, but what if he had friends? There might still be blow-back from the problems with the felines.”

“I appreciate your concern, but I was asked to do a favor by the Council and it needed to be handled alone,” Tyler said.

Well shit. If the Council was getting involved, Gray really needed to figure out what was going on. “What do you need from me?”

“Just talk to him,” Tyler advised.

“Talk?” Gray scoffed. There had to be more to the request.

“Mark has been through some hard times,” Tyler told him. “He’s been in a situation worse than Kiley’s. All his life he’s struggled to fit in and be accepted. The Council finally got him out of a horrible circumstance but he bailed before they could find a Pack for him. They’ve tried numerous times to have him meet with Alphas, but Mark always refuses.”

“Then what can I do? I’m not an Alpha.”

“Exactly,” Tyler said. “You can talk to him and treat him like another wolf shifter. He’s a really nice man, shy and quiet, but smart and funny. I think the two of you’d be great friends.”

“The Council wants a spy?” Gray wouldn’t do it. If Mark was hiding out in Coyote Bluff then he had his reasons. Gray would not betray the younger man.

“No,” Tyler assured him. “They want another wolf who will protect him. Mark’s left his past behind, but we all know that doesn’t always mean he’ll stay safe. The Council wants Mark to be able to turn to someone, anyone really, but another wolf would be ideal. If Mark runs into trouble, we need to have his back. They fear that he’d run and disappear rather than tell anyone he needs assistance.”

That didn’t sound so bad. “I’ll talk to him,” Gray said. “Beth is already friendly with him and I’d like to get to know him as well. As long as the Council doesn’t expect me to report back, I’ll keep an eye on things.”

“Thank you.” Tyler patted his shoulder. “I knew you would do it whether or not we asked, but I also wanted you to be aware that you might not be completely out of danger, even here.”

“I appreciate the heads-up.” Gray peered round the yard once again. With so many different species talking, laughing and visiting with one another, it still struck him as weird. His entire life had been spent with his own kind. Every once in a while, he might have crossed paths with another species, but for the most part he’d always imagined settling down with a fellow wolf shifter and protecting his Alpha.

“Don’t think too hard,” Tyler advised.

“About what?” Gray asked, but he knew Tyler was easily figuring out the direction Gray’s mind was going.

“I’ve only been around you a few days and I can tell Beth is perfect for you.”

“She is,” Gray stated with confidence. “But I wonder if being with me is best for her.”

“Why would you even think that?”

“I don’t know much about felines,” he admitted. “And really my experience with the few I’ve met hasn’t always ended up good. I’m scared I won’t be able to give Beth something she needs. I can’t provide for her if I don’t know what’s missing.”

“And this is why I told you not to think so hard about it.” Tyler gripped his shoulder then led him farther away from the others. “Do you want to be with Beth?”

“More than anything,” Gray told him. “That’s why I’m turning my entire life upside down.”

“Then listen to me.” Tyler stepped in front of Gray, which was a little intimidating. Tyler wasn’t mad at him, but having his Alpha close to his face instinctively had Gray wanting to drop his gaze.

“You’re a human first,” Tyler said quietly. “Yes, we have the animal sides of ourselves, but you don’t let the wolf rule your actions. Be the man that you have always been and everything is going to work out fine. Beth is going to tell you what she wants and needs.”

“I know.” Gray took a deep breath before blowing it out slowly. “I know that. It’s just my nerves, I think. Everything is changing.”

“Do you remember what you told me when I was offered the position to take over for Riker?”

Gray smiled. “When something is meant to be, it’ll happen.”

“You’ve found your place here,” Tyler said. “It might not be where you thought you’d end up, but I wouldn’t leave you here if I didn’t think you belonged. If I was worried, I’d do whatever I had to in order to get you back home.”

That made Gray feel better. He wasn’t even sure why. “Thanks, Alpha.”

“Of course. Now I’m going to get some food. You need to mingle with your new community.”

Gray knew he was lucky as he watched his Alpha walk away. After what had seemed like forever, he’d finally found his mate and a new home. Joe had offered him a job with the sheriff’s office, which Gray had gladly accepted. There might not have been a lot of crime in Coyote Bluff, but Gray was determined to keep his new community safe.

Which meant he did need to get to know the residents of Coyote Bluff. Spotting the lone wolf shifter again, Gray strode forward. Maybe it would be best to talk to Mark without anyone else around.

He was aware the moment that the younger shifter spotted him heading in his direction. Mark stiffened before placing his head down.

“Hey!” Gray called from several yards away. He didn’t want to intimate Mark.

“Hello,” Mark replied quietly.

Keeping his gaze on Mark’s shoulder, Gray slowed until he was a few feet away. “I wanted to introduce myself.” He crouched so he wasn’t towering over Mark. Leaning forward just enough that they could touch, Gray offered his hand. “I’m Gray.”

Mark didn’t flinch from him, which was a good sign. “Mark.”

“Mind if I sit for a minute?” Gray asked once they’d shaken hands. Mark’s palm was soft and the hold had no strength behind it. Gray would have to work to help Mark with his confidence.

Mark shrugged his skinny shoulders.

Gray sat, making certain that there was plenty of space between the two of them. If Mark wanted to run, Gray wouldn’t stop him. “I think Beth was going to introduce us later, but I thought I’d come over and say hi. It didn’t look like you were enjoying yourself much.”

The way the backyard was laid out, Mark was under a tree at the top of a small hill. With Gray sitting closer to the other guests, he’d put himself lower than Mark, giving the younger shifter the position of power. Mark probably didn’t realize it, but Gray hoped the wolf part of him would.

“Thanks for coming out,” Gray said. He needed to start some sort of conversation. “I guess it’s probably not your thing, but I know Beth appreciates it.”

“I promised her,” Mark told him. “Beth is sweet. I try not to disappoint her if I can help it.”

“Good.” Gray grinned. “Got any tips for me? I’m pretty sure there is a dog house in her backyard and I’d prefer not to sleep in it.”

Mark chuckled then slapped a hand over his mouth.

“Nah, man,” Gray said. “It’s funny. True but funny. I’ve never been in a serious relationship like this before so I’m bound to mess up. Maybe she’ll at least give me a pillow.”

Mark nodded, still wide-eyed.

“My fur should keep me warm on those nights,” Gray continued to joke.

“There’s some—”

Gray waited for Mark to continue, but the younger shifter had dropped his head, hiding his blush.

“Some what?” Gray asked softly. “Come on, man, you gotta help me out. Us wolves have to stick together.”

Mark’s head snapped up. “You wouldn’t say that if you knew me.”

Now they were getting somewhere. Gray didn’t want to push Mark into revealing something he wasn’t ready to, but if Mark wanted to talk, Gray would listen.

“I don’t know.” Gray leaned back, spreading out his arms to hold himself up. “I’ve met a lot of wolf shifters. Some of them have been great and some are complete bastards. I think I’m pretty good at reading people and you seem like a decent guy. Beth cares about you, so I know I can trust you.”

Mark snorted.

“I mean it,” Gray said. “If you’ll give me a chance, I think we’ll be good friends.”

“Really?” Mark threw him a glance. He was clenching his fists. “Friends?”

“Why not?”

“Maybe we can even shift together?” Mark pressed.

“Sure.”

“This is a fucking joke.” Mark moved like he was going to stand.

“Wait!” Gray held his palms up. “What did I say?”

This time when Mark leaned forward, Gray could see the fury on his eyes. “You just came over here to fuck with me.”

“No,” Gray replied slowly. “I did not.” It was obvious that Gray had missed something big. It wasn’t fair having no idea what was going on.

“I’m deformed!” Mark practically shouted.

“Oh.” Gray glanced around, thankful that no one seemed to be paying attention to them. “I’m sorry. Can you not shift? That’s okay. We can find something else to do.”

“Are you being serious right now?” Mark snapped.

“Yes.” Gray nodded solemnly. “I didn’t know. I obviously brought up a sore subject and I apologize.”

“I can shift. I just don’t like to in front of anyone… It’s not been good for other shifters to see me like that.”

“Shit!” Gray could only imagine how Mark’s Pack must have treated him. He’d had an idea of abuse, but this went much further.

“Exactly,” Mark stated.

“But if you wanted to transform and run with someone, I’d still be willing.”

Mark shook his head. “You might not be an Alpha, but you’re still pretty dominant. I’d prefer to avoid another beating.”

“I wouldn’t do that!” Gray exclaimed. “I’m not like that.”

“It’s instinct,” Mark responded. The expression on his face spoke volumes. The young shifter actually believed that.

“No,” Gray assured him. “If you were told that then it was by some assholes. A true Pack mate would never attack you for being different. No matter if you’re deformed, weaker or sick. That is not how your Pack should have treated you. Especially an Alpha or dominant wolf.”

“Even my parents treated me like a freak,” Mark shared. “They were actually some of the worst.”

Fuck, Gray couldn’t resist. He scooted closer to Mark and placed his hand on the young shifter’s knee. “Never again,” he declared. “Whether we decide to be friends or not, I won’t let anyone be treated like that in front of me.”

Mark smiled sadly. He tilted his head to peer across the yard but didn’t move away from Gray. “I think about the kids here. Some of them will be shifting soon. I often wonder what will happen if something is wrong with their shifted form.”

“If there is, then we’ll support and care of that shifter,” Gray said. “Maybe your experience will help someone else.”

“That’s what the Council tells me,” Mark said. “I don’t want to go from Pack to Pack and share what happened. I just want to be left alone. I like it here. I have enough privacy that I don’t feel caged in, but I’m not alone.”

“I understand,” Gray replied. “I’ll do whatever I can to get the Council off your back. You just tell me what you need and I’ll do my best.”

“Why would you do that?” You don’t even know me.”

“I would do it for anyone or any species,” Gray said. “At least I hope I would. I’m lucky enough that I was raised by and with some of the most compassionate shifters. I volunteered to help search for the feline Prince. I want to pay back some of the fortune I’ve been blessed with.”

Mark didn’t say anything for a minute and the silence stretched on, but Gray didn’t mind it. The young shifter hadn’t had an easy life and if he just wanted to sit and watch the other guests, Gray was okay with that.

He’d be the person who Mark could just be himself with.

“We could try being friends,” Mark finally said.

“Okay.”

“But that doesn’t mean I’ll ever want to shift with you.”

Gray was disappointed, but he wouldn’t let it show. “It’ll be your decision. I won’t pressure you.”

“Thanks,” Mark responded. “Maybe someday, though.”

Gray hid his smile behind his hand. If he had to guess, he would say that Mark wanted to be able to shift and run with his own kind. Gray would prove to the younger shifter that they would be just fine together. Tyler was right. He was more human than wolf. In the community he was going to live in, he’d probably need to prove that more than once. Gray didn’t mind. He would show everyone that he belonged. And Beth belonged with him.

* * * *

The kitchen was quiet and empty, giving Gray his first chance at being alone to gather his thoughts. The sun was setting and, while he’d enjoyed the get-together, he was tired as well.

Plus he hadn’t gotten to spend more than a few quick stolen moments with Beth since they’d woken up.

The wake-up had been nice, though. She’d climbed under the covers and he’d woken with her lips wrapped around his morning wood.

“You have a sappy smile on your face,” Beth teased, coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist.

“I can’t help it. You turned me into a sappy, smiling man,” he joked back.

“I thought I just turned you on,” she taunted, slipping her hand lower.

“Why, Beth!” he exclaimed with a smile, turning in her arms. “I’m shocked you would try to seduce me with a yard full of people.”

She threw her head back and laughed. “Oh, I’m not trying.”

She tugged him across the kitchen.

“Where are we…?”

She opened the tall walk-in pantry and shoved him inside.

“The closet, babe?” he chuckled.

“Oh shut up!” she ordered with a smirk, unbuttoning his jeans and finding him already hard. “Or I’ll have to shut you up.”

As she closed her lips around his cock, he cursed, pleaded and begged. She was not going to shut him up this way. It felt too good to be inside her hot mouth. “People…out…side,” he managed to warn.

Beth leaned back, letting his shaft go. “This is a shifters’ inn. Every room, including the closets, are soundproofed. Now shut up and enjoy.”

“Oh!” He sucked in a breath. “Fuck!”

She didn’t even give him time to brace himself. Just took his cock down to the root and swallowed.

“Jesus Christ!”

Beth used the perfect amount of suction while working his balls with one hand. He buried his hands in her hair while thrusting carefully. Gray didn’t want to choke her, but he needed just a little more pressure.

He felt the tingle at the base of his spine signaling his release coming and pulled away.

“Why’d you do that?” she asked, still on her knees peering up at him.

“Up!” He helped by dragging her to her feet. “I want inside you.”

“I’m not going to argue with that,” Beth told him.

“Over here.” Spotting a low empty shelf, Gray palmed her lower back until she was bent over. He made quick work of unsnapping her jeans and yanking them down with her panties. Gray slid his fingers through her slick folds, gathering up her juices before plunging one digit inside.

Beth squirmed before arching back.

“You want me?” he teased.

“Always,” she responded.

Gray fingered her for several more moments before tugging his hand away and grasping his erection. He positioned himself at the entrance of her pussy then slowly pushed inside.

As he entered her, Beth rose onto her toes.

Once he was buried deep, he gripped Beth’s hips tightly before pulling out. He slammed back quickly. The shelf wobbled but held. He repeated his move once, twice. Yes, this was what he needed.

The claiming of Beth, making her his once again, was perfect. He didn’t know if he’d ever tire of losing himself with her.

Each time he thrust, she threw herself back, so he slid deep. She was what completed him.

Beth reached behind her, grabbing his thighs. Her nails dug in painfully, but that just had him driving in faster and harder. Arching her back, she cried out while climaxing.

Gray grunted as her body tightened around his cock. He bit his lip to keep from continuing his lunges. He needed to move, but he wanted to see her sated and know that only he would be giving her pleasure like that.

“Damn,” she murmured. He waited until she peered up at him before very slowly withdrawing.

“Not quite finished.” He smirked then slammed back inside. He plunged in and out but this time concentrated on his own pleasure instead of hers.

It wasn’t long before he growled, threw his head back and came.

With a few erratic strokes, he filled her with his seed. The other shifters would know what they’d been doing and the primal part of him wanted to howl in approval.

He barely kept himself from collapsing on her. This was not the time or place.

“We better get dressed,” Beth said. “We may have privacy right now, but I wouldn’t rely on it lasting.”

Gray chuckled. “This was your idea.” He groaned, pulling out and steadying himself.

“Come on, big guy,” Beth said, turning, then patted his chest. “I’ll get you a beer.”

If he couldn’t get a nap, he’d have to make do with a beer. “I think you should sit on my lap while I drink it,” he said. “Keep me company.”

She laughed as he wanted.

“Are you done?” Loud banging on the pantry door. “Everyone’s leaving.”

“Go away, Kiley!” Gray shouted. “I thought this room was soundproof?”

Beth laughed. She straightened her clothing. “Why would they soundproof a food closet?”

“You little minx!” Gray tugged up his jeans and had them fastened as the door shook.

“No use hiding!” Kiley called. “We already heard!”

“I’m going to kill her,” Gray grumbled.

Beth rose to her tiptoes. “Come on!”

Gray expected Kiley to be in the kitchen. Maybe Austin, since he was never too far from his mate, but he also found Claude, Dorothy, Tyler, Dawson, Casey and Zachary.

“Bunch of perverts,” Gray accused.

Dawson grinned at him. “Welcome to the family, wolf.”

He couldn’t even be mad. Not with Beth in his arms and his old family in the same room as his new. “I hate you all,” he lied.

This was what his life was going to be now. A mixture of wolf, feline, bird, fox and many other species all entwined in his life. His new life.