Life with the Alpha

Chapter One

Note: This is a fan fiction for Quinn Loftis' The Grey Wolves series. All characters in this story thus far are her work.

Chapter one

The moon had risen high over the treetops. Jen was itching for the hunt, but she knew she had to wait for Decebel or he would have a fit. He was always so protective over her, but deep down, she loved it. After waiting a few more minutes she decided she wouldn't wait anymore, what fun would it be if she didn't stir things up? She undressed and concentrated. It had begun to get easier for her to make the change, but it wasn't instantaneous like it was for her mate and her pack. Once she had completed the change, she shook out her fur and stretched.

"And just where were you planning on going Jennifer?" Decebel stepped out from behind a nearby tree. He was wearing loose fitting jeans and a tight black t shirt. He had his arms crossed over his chest looking ever the 'Big bad wolf' part. Boy does he look yummy. He laughed and walked over to her. "I don't know what I'm gonna do with you little wolf." He gave her a pat on the head and started to undress. In an instant he was in his wolf form. He nuzzled her neck and nipped at her. She yelped and jumped back. Watch it flea bag. I might have to just teach you a lesson. She showed him a thought about what she was planning on doing later that night, and chuckled to herself. She turned and ran for the trees just as Decebel leapt for her. Catch me if you can, lover boy. Although Jen was still pretty new to her wolf form, she was much smaller and more nimble than the other wolves. She jumped and darted between trees, and swooped down under a fallen branch. She always felt so free and alive when she ran.

Jen circled around and headed back to wear they had started from. She remembered the first time she and Jacque had made the change. It was so difficult for them to control their bodies as they adjusted to four legs. She remembered how much fun they had together, they had always been best friends, and now, had been through everything together. Just as she began to wonder how her friends in the Romanian pack were, she saw something out of the corner of her eye. Decebel leapt and smacked into her side, tossing her onto her back. She was pinned to the ground, he towered over her with an evil look in his eyes. You must pay attention to your surroundings, Jennifer. You never know what else is out there. She could see him smirking in her mind. Well if I did pay attention, you could never catch me. She winked in her mind and blew a kiss. Decebel suddenly froze. What's the matter B? She nudged him with her nose. His ears perked up as he looked around. That's when she heard it. Someone, or something, was creeping towards them.

Suddenly something huge came crashing through the branches. Decebel snarled and instantly launched himself at it. He was furious at the thought of his mate being endangered, and was ready to kill anything that came near her. He heard a loud roar as soon as he made contact. It was a huge black bear. Although Decebel was a wolf, the sheer size of the bear made it dangerous. He jumped away just as the bear made a swing for him, it's paws were almost the same size as his head. He jumped again, and landed on it's back. It howled in pain and started frantically trying to shake him off.

Jen watched in horror as her mate was flung from the bear's back, and slammed into a nearby tree. She howled in pain at the thought of her mate being hurt. She raced at the bear and jumped, aiming for it's neck. While she was in mid-air the bear lashed out with it's massive paw and hit her in the side. She heard a loud crack and was blind with pain. When she landed on the ground she could no longer tell what was going on around her besides the excruciating pain in her side and chest. She couldn't breath and all she could still think about was Decebel. She could hear him calling out to her, but she couldn't make out the words. She felt cold, and realized she had changed back. She was now laying naked in the dirt and leaves, shivering. "Decebel.." was all she could say before everything went black.

~

JENNIFER! Decebel let out a pained howl. He could feel her pain before she went unconscious knew that she was struggling to breath. He had to help her and he was infuriated that he couldn't protect her. He snarled at the bear and with all the speed and strength he could muster up, attacked. He came at the bear from the side, and just as it lunged at him, he jumped to the side to dodge it and went for it's throat. A moment later, he felt a warmth rush into his mouth and the bear let out a gasp. They both fell to the ground, the bear struggling to breathe it's last breath. Decebel didn't wait any longer. He snapped his head back and broke it's neck.

A second later, he was in human form crouched over Jen. She was covered in blood and her rib cage was black and blue. The bear had broken at least one of her ribs and it's claws had punctured her skin in multiple places. None of it looked to be life threatening, but he knew she was in pain. He grabbed his jeans nearby and pulled them on, and grabbed Jen's jacket and wrapped her in it. He gathered her up in his arms and held her close. It will be ok baby. I've got you. He ran back to the pack's house, careful not to cause Jen anymore pain. As he was running up to the house, he saw Costin and Sally outside. They were sitting on a bench on the edge of the gardens, Sally's head resting on Costin's shoulder. Sally looked up and saw them headed their way.

"Jen! Decebel what happened?" Sally jumped up and ran to them, Costin following close behind. He slowed to quick walk as they all headed towards the house. "We were in the woods, I was careless and didn't realize there was a bear nearby. We were attacked and Jennifer was hurt. Can you heal her!?" He sounded frantic as they rushed to Cynthia and Sally's work room. They barged in just as Cynthia was about to walk out, and walked over to one of the beds where Decebel set her down gently. "Look away!" He snapped as he grabbed a gown from the shelf under the bed and covered Jennifer with it. Sally and Cynthia rolled their eyes but did as he asked. I would do the same if it were you, Sally Mine. Costin grabbed her hand to comfort her, despite her show of annoyance, he knew she was worried. Cynthia and Sally turned back to Jennifer and looked her over.

"I'm sorry Dec, but I can't just heal her like that. It shouldn't take too long for her to heal now that she is able to shift, her wolf is more prominent." Sally walked over to the area with her herbs and medicines and mixed a few things together to make some strange looking paste. She then walked over to Jennifer and reached for her gown. Decebel let out a growl at her actions, causing Costin to step forward and grab Sally's arm protectively. It's alright Costin, I've got this. He reluctantly stepped back. "Decebel, if you want me to help her, you need to let me do this." He relaxed a little, and glared at Costin and Cynthia. Sally turned and sighed. "Could you both please leave the room?" Cynthia just sighed and left, but Costin remained a moment longer. He was tense, and she knew he was worried about leaving her here with Decebel and his injured mate. Trust me, it will be okay. She gave his hand a quick squeeze and he gave up his fight, and turned to leave. I will be right outside, Sally Mine. And he walked out.

Sally pulled Jen's gown over to expose her chest and stomach. There were large bruises along her left side and spreading across to the front of her rib cage. And there were multiple puncture wounds from the bear's claws. The bleeding had stopped, but there was still a risk for infection. She dipped her hand in the paste she had made just moments ago, and began rubbing it on her wounds. Jen remained unconscious, but winced when Sally touched her. After a moment her body relaxed and Sally knew that the herbs were working. "What is that?" Decebel asked. Sally continued to rub it on the bruises as well. "It is a mixture of Chlorella and a few other common herbs. It will help her to heal quickly, and prevent infection." Decebel pulled a chair over to the bed and sat next to Jen, holding her hand.

Sally walked back over with a small cup of a strange looking liquid. Decebel crinkled his nose at the smell. It was similar to the smell of tea, but with a foul, bitter undertone. "Now what are you giving her?" He asked. His voice was full of worry. "Calm down Decebel. She's going to be fine. I'm just giving her some tea made from the herb Kratom. It will help with the pain." He relaxed a little, and lifted Jennifer's head so she could drink it. He wanted so badly for her to wake up, so he could know that she was really ok. He wouldn't leave her side in the meantime.