What's Mine is Yours (Kolath x Feral)

[Kolath]

The howl sounded throughout the mountain ringed valley, it echoed through the houses and buildings that made up the secluded town hidden deep in the forest in this hidden valley. It came from the watch in the only pass that led into this valley, the only way in or out. The howl marked the passage of an expected party, a neighboring Alpha had arrived. The day was getting on the sun already starting to set behind the western ridge.

It was a small group that rode into the town just as the shadows reached all the way across the streets. Even though none of them wore any form of insignia, none of them would need introduction to any in that town. All four without exception were legends in their own time. At their head rode Ralph, Fang of the North, Alpha of all the northern clans, and most important to all those in this town betrothed to their princess. Behind him on the left rode his brother Randale, Wolven Shield, said to have held back an entire clan of roving werewolves from the eastern wastes. To the right rode Carnor, Fire Wolf, said to be the strongest of the spellwolves still alive. To the back of the group rode an elegant she-wolf, Venna, sister to Ralph, and high shaman of the northern clans.

Together they made a rather impressive sight. Ralph and Randale both in heavy leather fencing coats, with metal bracers, all embossed with gold wolf motifs. At their sides hung swords, and broad sword for Randale, and a rapier with basket hilt at Ralph's. although the swords were useless to them in their wolf form, they preferred to rely on that as rarely as possible, hence the swords. They also wore a thin circlet of gold around their foreheads.

The other two were rather similarly dressed, both in long hooded robes marking their office. Venna wore white with a gold chain around her waist and hanging down almost to her feet. Like her brothers she also bore the thin gold circlet. Carnor's robe was of a light brown with a sash of purple going from shoulder to hip. In his hand he carried a long knurled staff that when he stood at his full six feet two inches would still be several inches taller than him.

The party rode through the town, the hooves of their horses clopping lightly on the cobble stones. It wasn't long before they arrived at the front of the alpha's home. They all dismounted and Venna took a deep breath sighing deeply. "Ahh, wolf's fruit, it has been far too long since I have been far enough south to smell it. If it would only grow in our home." Even as she was talking she had to close her eyes to push back the change that the sweet smell encouraged in werewolves. If one was to inhale the scent from the flower directly only doing the same with a blossom of wolf's bane would turn you back for several hours.

Ralph laughed softly brushing a lock of his shoulder length dark auburn hair back from his emerald green eyes. "Careful my dear sister, you know how strong a reaction you have to that fruit." He was of course referring to the time that Venna had gone full wolf for nearly a day without constraint and in the process mated with Carnor. It wasn't that she hadn't wanted too, but the spellwolf had not been her chosen mate and it had taken all of Ralph's skill to stop a war from breaking out. It was as was so often the case that the father of her future mate had been more hurt then the mate himself and after a little fast talking Ralph had worked out a arrangement that met all the involved parties wants and needs.

Turning his mind back to the matter at hand, Ralph sighed looking up the steps to the grand hall where he would most likely be meeting his mate soon enough. He cursed his rank and his noble nature wishing at times that he could let himself just run away from responsibility. However he couldn't all that he could really hope for was a arrangement that worked out for most of the parties concerned, and hope it worked for him as well. Such were his thoughts as he waited for his future mate and the fellow alpha to appear.

 

[Kolath]

Ralph knew she was coming long before the doors opened letting her enter the great hall. Her scent had long been known to him, and at times he had sworn he could smell it in his bed chamber at home. His dreams were filled with her scent on a nightly basis and had only been getting worse on this trip. He could smell her as she left her father's room and all down the hallways to the great hall.

As she entered his nostrils flared with the sheer power of her scent being so close. The only thing that prevented him from shifting and taking her right then was the other lingering scent that hovered around her. Before she even spoke he knew someone was dead or dying, that scent of death was unmistakable and it curbed the youthful lust that flared at her scent.

Ralph and the others all dropped to a knee as she entered, with only Ralph raising to his feet again. In truth he had no need to kneel at all but it was something he held was important. It let the other alpha know that while in their lands you would submit to them, at least to a degree.

As the announcement was made that her father was dying, Venna let out a soft gasp her hand coming up to cover her mouth. She had been through this before with her own father and knew what Raegan must be going through. She stood slowly and came forward, "Oh my dear, I'm so sorry to hear about your father."

Ralph kept back knowing full well the sharpness of Raegan's tongue having been on the receiving end of it before. He didn't think that Venna would have to worry but he didn't want to give the alpha princess any reason to turn that tongue on him in this moment. He did however speak wanting her to know that he was here, the alpha in him knew that not many males liked a female alpha and with her father dying there might be some problems coming up. "How can we be of service to you in your hard times my lady?"

 

[Kolath]

Ralph only could smirk slightly at the confrontation that the acting alpha had clearly caused with a reason. Ralph had to admit that even though it was a pain in the ass he did like Raegan's sharp tongue and stubborn actions. There as something that drew him to her because of that, he didn't find it a threat to his dominance like so many other alphas had in the past. She might need to learn to curb her tongue in public where he was concerned but in privet he wanted her to speak her mind.

Stepping forward he gently intruded between the acting alpha and princess. "Be at ease my lady, I'm sure that he meant no offence. For if he did I would need to have words with him as you are still my betrothed." He looked pointedly at the beta, making it know that in what office he could he still claimed Raegan.

Turning to Raegan he looked into her eyes. "As for your father's arrangement with me." He stepped a little closer to her looking down into her eyes at his nearly a foot taller than she was. "I do plan on fulfilling my end of it and taking you as my mate. For the good of your pack and clan, as well as my own." his words were carefully chosen making sure she understood he wasn't giving her a choice. He hated doing that too her but he had already given her years to come to agreement to this. When the arrangement had been made he could have shown up any mating moon after that and claimed her as his legally. Now there was little choice in the matter, there needed to be an alpha in place before her father passed, or by the next full moon at the latest.

 

[Kolath]

Ralph couldn't stop the slight tug of a smile at his lips as the alpha princess didn't back down from him in anyway. The term stubborn bitch came to mind, which made it all the harder not to smile. It was something he respected in his sister and mother, that when it was important they wouldn't back down to any male, ever. In his mind it was the mark of a good Luna that she could stand up to her own Alpha if the situation warranted it.

Ralph had been to almost all the clan lands and seen many different alphas, and all of them had a different take on their mates. However they all seemed to stem from the female submitting to her mate, and though he agreed with that to some extent, he didn't want the mindless obedient slave that he saw many of the Alphas having. It just wasn't in his nature to like a female that couldn't think for herself and have her own opinion. He finally did let a smirk cross his lips, and voice them, as respectfully as possible in public.

Turning his mind back to the present, he felt the tension between himself and Raegan rise and could feel her inner wolf calling to his and knew that if something wasn't done soon mating wouldn't be a issue at the next full moon. He was very thankful when the acting alpha stepped in and gave him a moment to break the hypnotic set his mind had fallen into. He pushed down his wolf retaining a careful control over that more base nature, though it still reached out for the female that was to be his mate.

He nodded to Lucien in thanks. "Indeed I do remember, thank you both for your welcome in this dark time." He turned about to walk away before thinking better of that action and turning back to Raegan. There was much that he wanted to say but didn't know how to make it sound right, he was the Alpha of the north clans and that meant there were some things that couldn't be said by him. Finally he settled on the safest thing and hope the rest would be understood. "I hope I will have a chance to come pay my respects to your father."

 

[Kolath]

After Raegan left Ralph had just watched her leave not knowing what to say with the pain that he saw there in her eyes. He knew that he had not said the right thing and that made it harder since he couldn't find the right thing to say. How did you find the words to say to someone that you didn't feel you could be open with not knowing how they would accept it. Shrugging it off he brushed a finger under his nose and turned to face the three companions that had joined him on his errand.

He had not been expecting the sharp crack of a open palm coming hard across his face. He blinked away the tears that had come from the shock of the strike and looked down at his little sister standing there clearly pissed off at him in more way then she could say. "I have never known you to be such a insensitive bastard in my life Ralph!" her words were controlled carefully as the walls carried a yell very easily and the whole castle would know about it if she didn't. "Why couldn't you just…gah! Men, the only honest thing about you is your scent." She stormed off down the hall leading to the quarters they had been provided.

Ralph stood there still in shock at the encounter as his brother came up and placed his hand on Ralph's shoulder. "She's right about this you know." With that the two other male wolves left him following the irate priestess to their rooms. Sighing deeply Ralph could only look after them knowing that if he went to their joined suite his sister would only have more harsh words to send his way.

Of course he knew she was right and that is honestly what hurt more than the slap. There were things that he wanted to say to Raegan that could maybe help her through this. However he also knew the dangers of being near to her, and… he sighed deeply just letting the thoughts drift away knowing that things would be solved within a week no matter what he did or didn't say. Moving into one of the passage ways Ralph slowly made his way out onto the wall walkway that house the small garden and courtyard. Some fresh air would do him some good.

 

[Kolath]

The cool night air rushed over Ralph sending his shoulder length hair blowing in the breeze. He leaned his head back sighing feeling the heat he had been feeling from the confrontation down in the great hall wash away in the cool breeze. There was more too it then that, being so close to Raegan had been torture for his inner wolf and the slight bite that came with the wind was enough to sooth the beast inside him.

Even standing there now on the wall he could smell her, that clean fresh scent, that had a mild but clear heat and spice mixed into it. Though he noticed that the heat and spice was becoming more and more pronounced in his nose as time went on. It was as though he could scent her from where he stood and she was coming closer and closer to entering heat. His inner wolf growled wanting out, wanting to show his mate just how she should respond to his presence. How she should drop willingly to all fours and raise her tail for him to expose her sex for him to enter and ravage for nights on end.

Ralph gasped digging deep breathes into his mind that was once again fogging with his inner beast wanting to come out. There was no question that he loved his wolven side and would do nothing to part with it. However there were times that its animal instincts were problematic in civilized society. Bringing his hand to his face feeling it recede from the slightly elongated shape it had started to take, knowing just how close he had been to changing. Even now he could still scent the reason for it and he didn't know why, her scent had dulled a bit not as hot or spicy but still clearly near heat and that made his wolf beg to be out.

Turning his back to the outer wall he moved over looking down into the garden below him and it suddenly was even more difficult. He saw the reason he could scent her, she stood in the garden and from the look of it she was slowly removing her clothing. The wind was blowing over the far wall across her and to him as though the winds themselves were trying to torment him with his future. His eyes were glued to her form as she stripped from her tight dress which though it showed her famine curves still hid well the beauty that was his future mate. Standing there in the waxing moon light as the last vestige of clothes slipped from her body showing all in the light, bring another growl to his lips and he felt his control slipping.

He forced himself to turn from the sight that was driving him mad with the need to mate and fought his wolf to regain control. In another moment all was lost as he heard her howl to the moon. He knew the shift was coming and there was nothing that could stop it now. All he could do was hold it back for a few moments as he tried to rid himself of his clothes.

The bracers, cloak, jacket and boots were gone swiftly enough but that was as far as he got. The change came over him sending waves of pain and pleasure rushing through him as his body shifted into the werewolf that sent shivers down many mortal spines and made other wolfs bow their heads in submission. He had grown another foot at least when standing fully erect topping over seven feet, and all the refined muscles of an agile swordsmen had filled out more easily defined under his thick dark redish brown fur that covered his whole body, the remnants of his pants and shirt falling to the stone below him.

Thicker fur at the back of his neck stood as he reared his head back and answered her howl. His was a howl of possession telling the female he had just heard that she was his. It spoke of longing and the need that he couldn't express in his human form. It also spoke of his dominance and expectance of her submission when he finally caught her, no matter when that was. His deep green eyes turned to the garden as his nose looked for her scent ready to chase her down if needed.

 

[Kolath]

Ralph could only stand there as he scent flowed up to him from the garden mixed with the scent of night flowers and soft gentle earth. His eyes followed her form as she moved for him giving him a show of what he knew was his by right. She was perfect in so many ways he couldn't express it in his human form and only in a growl of need from his wolf.

He heard her challenge and knew that she was serious the scent she gave off spoke only of that. She howled his acceptance something that the whole castle would hear. Though a howl after a change was common enough and not something that anyone in the castle would think twice about, the howl that Ralph gave in acceptance of Raegan's challenge would speak to every wolf in the castle.

In their joined parlor where his party was waiting for him to return from his walk, they all stood as they heard the howl. "Oh hell." Randale whispered looking at his sister.

Venna just closed her eyes sighing deeply. "God I hope he knows what he is doing."

Her mate, Carnor shook his head and reached around her lightly pulling her back into his chest. "He doesn't, no wolf does when that howl comes out. I just hope one of them has enough control to wait."

The group all nodded in agreement. The mated pair sharing a short look before excusing themselves to the privacy of their bedchamber.

Ralph leapt the battlements landing hard, but it didn't even slow him down as he raced after her. His claws dug into the soft earth as she took to the woods quickly joining her in the dark shifting shadows. Though his eyes had a hard time following her from time to time as she blended with the woods, his nose never lost her. Using his size he didn't need to worry about small brush, it barely slowed him down, and he was quick enough to dodge through the trees. It wouldn't take long before he was able to catch up to her with his longer stride.

 

[Kolath]

Muscles bunched and released, spreading and contracting in speed that would stagger the mind of any human. When a werewolf was on the hunt the speeds they could reach would astound anyone. No horse could escape them when being hunted, though many humans had tried to escape on them. However this wasn't an ordinary hunt for Ralph, any werewolf nearby quickly would hide themselves from the scents coming off both of them. A male after was in pursuit of his mate, and that was something you never interfered with if you valued your life.

Her scent had filled his nostrils from the moment that this chase had begun, growing strong as each moment past. Now he could taste that same scent on his tongue which lulled out of his mouth as he panted to keep air coming to his demanding muscles. His groin stirred all the more as he rushed through the tress wanting her in that physical way more then he could ever explain. Her scent called to his heart and he answered with a additional burst of speed.

As he came to the clearing around the pool he slowed letting his claws test to earth. The part of his brain that was still human admired the beauty of the spot she had chosen and knew he would have picked the same one. Slowly he crossed the clearing stopping about half way to the pool and sniffed the air. His eyes lit up as he could still smell her even through the water which spoke of the shear need that they both shared.

Racing forward he dove into the water the sharp bite of the cold water bringing his human side to the forefront and he allowed himself to shift back as he had seen she had. He surfaced his face just finishing shrinking into itself to form the man she knew. Looking across the surface of the water to her he slowly moved in the water closing in his eyes still holding the wildness of the chase in them. His wolf was still close to the surface but he had that wildness under control if only barely.

 

[Kolath]

Ralph growled deeply as she came closer speaking in low tones encouraging that beast deep inside him. He smirked at her assertion that she had let him catch her and he stepped closer to her all the more letting his eyes take her in slowly. "We both know better than that princess." He growled softly letting the deepness of his wolven chest fill his words.

Sparks danced along his skin as she let her hands rub up over his shoulders and then around his neck. He gently reached out for her his arm slipping around her waist pulling her closer to him. Their bodies merged gently to each other, pressing chest to chest. Her softness flattening and molding to his hard body. His other hand came up brushing against her check as she nuzzled his throat, his hand moved back to tangle in her hair gently pulling her back from him. He leaned in pressing his own lips and nose to her throat baring his teeth against her skin and nipping softly.

Had it been the night of a full moon he would have bitten her harder leaving a mark on her neck to show she belonged to him. However his more controlled side was still speaking to him though it was losing the battle quickly. Had it been the night they were to be joined she would already have his throbbing member pressed deeply into her waiting passage. She would already be his mate, instead it throbbed between their tightly pressed bodies long and thick begging for attention.

His alpha wolf responded to hers pressing them closer as he slowly moved them back in the pool into deeper water. His breath panting had as he pulled back from her neck and looked down into her eyes. He wanted her and would have her anyway that he needed to do that. He leaned in and pressed his hot lips to hers kissing her deeply his hand tangling in her hair again as he held her close not letting her escape from the kiss, the other down around her waist, to not let her run from him ever again.

 

[Kolath]

Ralph returned the kiss with as much passion as she gave it to him. His tongue danced with hers locking and intertwining their hearts and desires together. He growled in protest as she pulled back and then gave a small snarl as she bit him. His eyes came back to hers with hunger all the hotter in them telling her just how close he was to losing all control over himself.

Grabbing her he lifted her out of the water still holding her tight to him as his face buried into her neck and then moved down. His lips found their way over her collar bone leaving a sharp nip there, before moving down more nipping lightly at the swell of her breasts.

His hand was still wrapped around her waist though was holding her up in the water so that her face was above his and her body molded down against his from there down. The other hand scratched lightly over her back right down the ridge of her spine teasing the sensitive skin there. He wanted her like never before his need could be felt in the heat of his breath and lips on her breast, as he wrapped the lips around her nipple sucking hard.

He moved them back through the pool which never got too deep, up against the far side which was backed onto a rock face. There were small ledges and smooth walls all around them. It was one such wall that he backed her into pressing himself close to her not letting her move away from him.

 

[Kolath]

Restraint was the last thing that was on Ralph's mind. His senses were alive with her touch and the feel of her skin under his hands. He scratched lightly at her thighs and back as he pressed her back into the wall. He growled deeply wanting nothing more than to drive his hard throbbing shaft deep into her tight wet passage that was calling to him.

Her scent was almost too much and for a moment he saw red as his wolf just about took complete control. His hips thrust forward pressing his shaft hard up into her womanhood threatening to pierce deep inside her, to mate with her, to make her his. Traditions be damned, this was his mate and he would claim her there was nothing that was going to stop him. No power on earth could refuse him his right to her. No power that was but her voice.

As she spoke his name he felt the need pull back enough to control long enough to hear her out. His face had been shifting in that moment of lost control and now returned back to his normal state. Though his elongated canines clearly spoke about how close he was to shifting. His eyes were also more wolfish and the frustrated snarl told the story of just how much it took to pull himself back. However he did, pulling back just a little still pinning her to the wall but not pressing just tightly.

His eyes shifted back a little more as he panted hard clearly trying to think clearly before he finally was able to get the words out. "Raegan… if you need me to stop, you need to tell me now. I…" he growled nuzzling into her neck baring his teeth against her skin. "I don't want to stop Raegan, I want to mate with you, to make you mine." He growled again pulling back to look into her eyes. "But tradition says we should stop…"

 

[Kolath]

Ralph was fighting every instinct in him to not just plow into her. He struggled against that desire till she had her say. He wanted nothing more than to force his thick throbbing member deep inside her tight virgin passage and claim her as his own. His teeth would break the skin of her neck leaving a mark in both forms that would let other males know to steer clear she was taken. More the that their scents would mix and become one creating a scent that was both of them together but indistinguishable as individual scents.

Though the humans spoke in their ceremony of becoming one, they had only the barest idea of what that truly meant. With a mated pair there was almost no telling them apart by their scents, just slightly more of male to one and more female to the other. It was said in the long past that mated pairs could speak to each other without words, and even to this day something remained where a mate knew if their mate died, and some even could sense them in trouble.

The union was so complete that they were giving up a large part of themselves to become one with their mate. However there was never thought of that loss because of the joy of joining and the completeness that came with it. Ralph wanted that and even though he had not chosen Raegan when they first met now after the years of their betrothal he would chose her without a second thought.

He nodded slowly as she spoke knowing that she was right, they had to stop this. As the thought entered his mind his wolf growled and snarled in rebellion trying to take control back from his controlled side. He pushed away from her feeling his face shift slightly before he was able to fight it back down, biting his lip hard enough to draw blood. His arms hugged around his body as though trying to hold the change back by force. He dropped to his knees in the water letting the cool water help his suppress his desires as it covered to his neck. Had he needed to truly fight more he would have forced his head underwater till the wolf retreated in fear of drowning, fortunately that wasn't need.

His eyes slowly opened and his teeth released his lip. He looked up at the naked form of his mate-to-be one last time letting a soft growl slip from his lips. "The things I do for you, Raegan." He smiled letting a soft breath out in a laugh. "I will have you Raegan, I promise you that, and when I do you will bed for me." His words were soft yet commanding knowing that he was in control of both himself and her. Had he asked he knew she would give herself to him right now. 'It is the mark of a just Alpha to force himself to obey the laws of his people no matter the cost. Otherwise you simply become a tyrant.' His father's words returned to him as he stood looking at her through still half shifted eyes.

"I will see you at breakfast my dear." With those final words he turned and leapt out of the water shifting in mid air disappearing into the forest. He couldn't stay close to her or his self control wouldn't last he needed to be far away till morning came.

 

[Kolath]

Ralph had to stay away as long as he could from the castle. It was far too thick with her scent, and it would drive him mad tonight with her being do close. He ran nearly all the night doing circles around the valley letting out all that energy that had risen in him. This week was going to be hell till he could get her in his bed and mate her. Finally as the sun started to peak over the hills far in the distance he turned his run back to the castle clearing the distance quickly.

He avoided everything about the inside of the castle, going so far as to climb the wall up to his second floor window before finally entering. Closing the window he leaned back against the hard panes of glass letting his wolf form slowly shift back into the large naked human he was. He thought he had worn his wolf out enough to survive a day here with her he only hoped that he wasn't going to pass out.

Moving from the window he quickly started to get dressed pulling on another pair of similar leather pants though these were dyed midnight black. Another poet style shirt slipped over his head though he left it as it was without vest. Black boots completed all the dressing he felt like this morning before going out into the sitting room.
He was not surprised but none the less upset to find his entire traveling retinue waiting for him. His sister looked like she was ready to bite his head off Alpha though he be. "What the hell were you thinking last night?" she spat out at him and the other two just stayed silent.

"I wasn't thinking, neither was she." He growled and stepped over standing taller than his sister and backing her against the wall a little. "And whatever happened has nothing to do with you. She is to be my mate, at least I just about lost control with the one I am meant too." He turned letting his anger get the best of him.

Venna was about to bite out a quick lack thought response since Ralph had dared to bring up her mating to Carnor. However she noticed something about what he said and it gave her pause. "Just about?"

The weight of it hit Ralph like a ton of stone, he dropped to the love seat next to him just falling limply against its back facing his sister. "We didn't do anything. Though not for lack of both of us wanting it." He drew in a breath and moved to right himself in the seat before leaning back again. "We are not mated yet, though, I can't promise we will make the full moon."

There was nothing else to be said so the group just sat there in silence for a moment before Ralph stood and headed for the door. "Time for breakfast I think." And headed for the great hall.

 

[Kolath]

Ralph made his way through the halls trying to ignore the scent that lingered there, the scent of his mate to be. It haunted him through the halls, not the heated needing scent that she gave off last night. Just her normal scent that spoke of her station and baring. The linage of her family that held many alphas down through the years. She was born to lead and her scent left no doubt of that to anyone's mind that smelled it.

To Ralph it was like a drug begging him to come and taste of it more. The strength in her that it spoke of drew him toward her if he wasn't being careful and focusing on where he was going. Twice Randale had to grab his arm stopping him from turning down a passage that would lead to her rooms. He cursed softly at how much she was effecting him, he had known it was going to be bad but he thought he would have been in more control than this. When he was almost to the great hall he had to stop and press his headed face to the cool stone of the hallway trying to gain composure again.

Turning to look at his friends that had come with him to what was to be his marriage. His eyes were wide with a mix of emotions, all the lusts and desires from the night before were coming back. All the fears of losing control, of betraying their traditions. It was all there on his face as he fought back every bit of it forcing himself to come back under control. Had it not been for last night he wouldn't be as far gone as he was already but smelling her and coming so close to mating with her had pushed him to the edge. An edge that almost no werewolf ever held back from, yet somehow he and Raegan had been able too.

Venna came over to him and the realization of the pain he was in hit her as she watched him. "Oh my poor brother. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for you." She snuggled him wrapping her arms around him holding him close. "You are strong Ralph, you will do what needs to be done. And we will always be there for you." She smiled at him brushing her hand against his cheek.

Ralph nodded sighing deeply feeling calmed down a bit before turning to continue on into the great hall. He greeted the acting alpha and his mate before going to the table and taking a drink of cooling water. It helped his heat a bit but he was sure that his scent was still clearly giving off his need for Raegan. It was honestly good night to see her right from the moment he stepped in unsure if he would have been able to not pounce on her. He took some of the breakfast meats and fruit slowly eating them as he stood over near one of the windows keeping to himself to some degree.

 

[Kolath]

Ralph had scented Raegan the moment she had walked into the great hall. He couldn't have missed her if he had wanted to. Her scent spoke volumes of how ready she was for him. His own was no better and only the fact that he couldn't see her in that first instant prevented him from shifting. Sighing deeply he struggled to maintain his control again before turning and letting his eyes flow over her.

Venna saw the look that Raegan sent Ralph's way, and the one that Ralph returned. She shook her head leaning over and lightly kissing her mate's neck. "God those two have it worse than we did. We didn't make it through the first night together when I was needing you as much as Raegan is my brother."

Carnor looked up from his food and smiled at his mate. "That is the difference between you and your big brother my dear. He has to hold himself back for the good of all clans. It is his duty and that above all else we keep him from mating with her. Though it will be hell on them both." He turned back to his food after a short kiss on his love's lips.

Ralph had come over to the table getting some more food about to move over and speak to Raegan, he just needed to be close to her. Before he could though the omega came and spoke to both him and Raegan saying that her father wanted them both. Without a second thought he set his food and drink down before heading out to follow Raegan quickly moving up to walk just behind her to one side.

The tension of what was happening was clear in the omega's walk, she was worried about the sick alpha and didn't want to say too much. His hand came out as he moved up closer gently touching Raegan's elbow, not taking it or making her stop or come closer to him. All that touch was meant to do or say was that he was here for her no matter what. It was a show of his support as they quickly made their way to outside her father's rooms standing at the door before the omega opened it.

 

[Kolath]

Ralph had nothing to say knowing this was a father saying goodbye to his daughter and giving his final blessing to her. He stood just inside the doorway having made the omega leave the three of them alone. Watching the scene before him he could barely recognize the wolf that had ridden one day into his father's clan. He had sat bold and proud high on the warhorse that had brought him. The only other Alpha that Ralph had ever met that didn't bow and scrape to his father. The respect that was shown to each other, but not submission was something that Ralph took to heart.

The time when Victor had come up to his clan after Ralph's own father passed. Ralph was so young barely considered more than a pup. He had seen so little of how to lead, Ralph had nearly given his own land over to Victor without even meaning too. The moment submission is shown by an alpha the pack or clan comes under the leadership of the one shown the submission. Had it not been for Victor himself stopping the young pup, Ralph wouldn't be an Alpha this day. Let alone worthy of mating with Raegan.

Coming forward as he was addressed he nodded understanding. He knew how hard this must be for both of the two that he lover. One like his own father, and the other as his soon to be mate. However he knew that Raegan was probably not going to like leaving her father's side. He knew that this was needed, having lost himself in his own grief for a time and knowing just how dangerous it was. Coming close to Raegan he bowed slightly to Victor before touching his hand to above his own heart. The accepted sign of respect and honor between alphas. "May you enjoy the eternal hunt great one."

Having said his farewells to the great Alpha he bent gently placing his hands on Raegan's upper arms. He didn't give her a choice but he wasn't at all rough. As gently but firmly as he could he slowly lifted her away from her father's bedside. "Come Raegan, let your father rest." The double meaning was clear, as both to rest physically and to go to his final rest as he wished to, alone.

 

[Kolath]

Ralph had felt the hurt in her through her shoulders and had just about wrapped her up in his arms right there on the spot. He let her pull away from him and then rush off, though it was only the voice of the two female beta's that stopped him chasing after her. He knew what she was going through having had much the same reaction when his father had died. Wanting to reach out to her and help her through the hurt she was now feeling.

Torn for a moment he sighed and nodded letting the two women go instead. He turned back to the great hall moving to the dining table and taking up a flagon of wine. It was gone in a moment as he growled softly hating the helplessness he felt to help his future mate. There was so much that he could show her, ways that he could help her through the pain that she was now feeling if she would only let him.

He had just about talked himself into going up to her rooms and demanding she listen to his good sense when his brother-in-law came and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Now Ralph I have seen that face before." Carnor said solemnly looking at Ralph's clenched hand.

Ralph looked to Carnor and realized just that moment that all the males were there around him. Randale, Lucien, and Carnor were all within arms reach of him.

"You had best let the women handle it, you can barely keep your hands off her. And talking sense wouldn't be what you ended up talking at all." Carnor always did have this damnable knack for knowing just what Ralph was thinking.

He sighed heavily and let his shoulder's slump forward. Taking note just how much the three men all relaxed when he did, he realized they had been planning on having to stop him physically not just with words. He chuckled at the thought, because he knew that he would have broken through them all had he really wanted too. "Your right of course. It's just that I feel…"

"So powerless, believe me I understand." Lucien spoke up nodding in agreement. "Victor was like a second father to me, and Raegan I was always like her big brother till she was older. I hate to see her hurting like this, but she needs to go through it for a time to come out the other side of it healed at all."

Randale had gone and gathered four tankards of wine bringing back over and passing them out to the men gathered. "Here enough talk of gloom and struggles, come let us toast the good life that Victor led and the glory that awaits him on the eternal hunt."

None of the four could argue that nor wanted too, so all raised their tankards. "To Victor!"

 

[Kolath]

The males were all standing in a group when the women would rejoin them. They had been talking over memories of Victor paying their respects in a way even though the Alpha still lived. All of the clan was already grieving knowing that the Alpha was clearly so close to death's door. This was a healthy reaction and honestly was helping the men respond to the situation before them. The others were all still a little worried about Ralph as he had already been given the blessing of Victor to take Raegan as his mate.

For Ralph his mind was still on Raegan but had allowed it to dwell on Victor for awhile. The memories of the elder Alpha brought back all the times that he had come to this castle in the past. He remembered all the times that he and Raegan had fought and the clear frustration that she caused him. She was so arrogant and proud, of course he had to admit so was he, it was something that made her the Alpha that she was. In truth Ralph didn't think that Raegan needed him to maintain a strong clan, she was so strong on her own that by sheer force of will she would make it be.

However that very aspect of her was what made him want her as his mate. She would be the strongest mate that he could hope for. And the tension that he now felt as he scented her coming down to the great hall again was a combination of preparing for the battle to come, and the desire to attack her and make her his right then and there. Taking a deep drink of the wine he had in his hand he pulled Carnor to the side. "Do you have any wolfsbane with you?"

Carnor was taken aback by the blunt question. There were only a few reasons to have that plant, for a human it could be a deadly poison, and in smaller doses perhaps used to slow the heart or mend some issues of a fever. However for a werewolf there was one other use, only in the highest dose could it possibly kill a werewolf. It was more commonly used by parents to help children learn to control their shifting. It was almost never needed after the age of fifteen by anyone, only in the most extreme cases was it needed. Carnor could only guess that Ralph wanted it for self control. "You know that I do." He paused for a moment looking toward the door scenting his own mate on her way back down. "Is it really that bad?"

Ralph nodded slightly. "I think I can control it, but I might need some help…though I fear even the safe doses might not be enough." He shook his head clearing the image from the night before, of Raegan pinned against the wall with him pressing into her nearly taking her in that moment. That sight would haunt him till he was able to take her and make her his for the rest of their lives. "Keep it handy, we might both need it." Ralph said before joining the men again his eyes moving to Raegan the moment she entered the great hall.

 

[Kolath]

He had been being able to control his wolf while Raegan wasn't near him having quieted that inner nature. However now she was right there ripe and ready to be plucked. Not to mention willing to be if last night had been any indication. Letting out a long breath he took another sip of his wine as he watched Helena and her mate be so close. A moment letting adding to the struggle inside of him his brother -in-law moved over to his mate and slipped his arm around her waist pressing his nose into her hair.

Damn them all, didn't they understand what they were doing? They couldn't really, and he knew that, it was the curse of being an alpha. Had anyone else been in this much need and desire, had a female in heat that was his so close, ready and willing they would have just taken her. That wasn't something that he and she could indulge in, they had to wait for the proper time for the pack.

His eyes looked over at Raegan over the lip of his cup letting a soft growl slip past his lips, giving his wolf at least that much just to appease it. When asked about the hunt he just nodded slightly knowing in his mind it would help to some degree but night was so far away and his wolf wasn't wanting to wait any longer.

He stepped out from the group moving over to the table that Raegan was seated at keeping the large wooden surface between the two of them. His eyes were on fire as he sat down right across from her his scent reaching out to her. It was all he could do as he caught her scent not to jump across the table and take her right then and there.

"Raegan….we need to speak about something." His words were heavy and laced with the need that he felt for her. He needed to know something from her, something that was key to his control in this moment. His words were low not really hiding from the other but not including them either. "We have your father's blessing, most couples wouldn't hesitate after that. I need to know…do you need me to leave till the full moon?" it wasn't what he was really trying to ask but it accomplished the same thing.

 

[Kolath]

Ralph had been doing his best to try and think about her needs. Knowing just how hard it was going to be to wait any longer than they already had, combined with already having her father's blessing, it was going to be a real torture for them both having to deny their desires. Having wanted to spare her, and honestly him as well, the pain and struggle that would be he was trying to find some solution. It shocked him just how wrongly she took his suggestion he just sat there watching her break down.

His heart broke in that same moment seeing her face and hearing that heartbreaking sound come from her lips would have destroyed any male's defenses. He stood and vaulted over the table coming down next to her. His hands came up gently brushing both of her cheeks and he knelt down at her side. "Shhhh, Raegan, I don't want to leave you." He let one of his hands drop down taking hers and kissing the back of her knuckles gently. "The last thing I want to do is leave you here to suffer alone."

His emerald eyes look up into her own bright ones. Without thinking he pressed up close planting his lips on her kissing her deeply in a soul claiming possessive kiss. His hand on her cheek moved back to tangle in her hair gently holding her against him not letting her pull away. Finally after a long moment where silence had decended over the great hall though Ralph didn't notice. His mind was totally focused on the desire of both his heart and body. He pressed his forehead to hers as the kiss was broken just gently letting his hand stay tangled in her hair. "But I don't want you to suffer with me here either…" he stopped for a moment letting his breathing calm down, before asking, "…which one is better for you?"

 

[Kolath]

His mind having hazed over with worry for the well being of his mate to be he had missed clear signs of her heat. At her soft moan and the feel of having her so close his body switched mental tracks taking in her scent. With instant results, his shaft rose in his tight pants and his wolf nearly forced its way out of his control. His breathing increased and it was all he could do to stop himself from taking her right then and there in the great hall.

He growled deeply in response to her desire to have him stay. The sound was deep and primal almost but not quite a challenge that a male issued his mate to either defy him or give into his needs. Even though he kept that tone from his growl he wasn't able to keep the need and desire to have her from burning through his eyes. This day was going to be murder for both of them and the night…well it would be a miracle of sheer will power if they weren't mated before the end of the hunt. Pressing close to her he nuzzled along her neck softly before whispering in her ear. "I will try, but I can't promise my actions."

Forcing his wolf down he stood and turned away from her trying to get away from the scent of her in heat. As well as taking the scent of his own lusts from her trying to ease the fires in both of their bodies. He walked down the long table seeing the other all having started for the door not sure if they should leave or stay. "It's alright, you can all stay, we…are controlling ourselves." His eyes looked back at Raegan still burning with need and desire for her showing just how hard that control was.

"So then, about this hunt? A little blood might cool the head." His eyes once again strayed to Raegan and he knew deep down that was a flimsy hope at best.