Those In The Forest

Part 18: Iris

We instinctively moved in front of Reagan, attempting and probably failing to block her from Dean—Ivy's brother. Ivy only met him a handful of times, and every time was dreadful. He shares specific characteristics with Ivy, like skin tone, hair, and nose, but nothing else. They aren't the same in any way.

          He believes the bond we all share is an abomination to our kind that we are going against our instincts. I never understood why he or anyone else thought that. We love each other. So deeply that it's shared between all four of us. All four now that Reagan has popped up in our life.

          Ivy's expression was neutral, but her scent was alert. I could tell she was trying to keep herself in control but was struggling. She was at least in control a little, enough that Dean couldn't smell her anger from where he was standing.

          "Ivy now, is it? I guess that suits you." Dean sat down, crossing his legs. In the few times I've met him, I've gathered that he likes to give off the vibes that he's calm and relaxed when he's everything but.

          He was naked, so he must have shifted and ran to us. Why he's here, though, is a mystery. Hazel's teeth were on full display, growling at Dean. Her fist clenched at her sides. She will attack if he gets closer. No matter what, she will ensure we are all safe. I think he knows that, which is why he is staying away.

          "What do you want, Dean? Whenever the Dolin pack comes to town, it always means trouble." Rose snuffed. Dean just laughed.

          He smirked at us. "We got word of... some trouble on your part." he leaned over, tilting his head. "That trouble is what you are trying to block from me. Don't worry, I know the laws. I won't touch her on your land."

          "You won't touch her anywhere." Ivy snarled. Those angry pheromones were getting stronger. That's not good. He wants this. He wants to get a reaction out of us, out of Ivy. I grabbed her hand, and she squeezed it back in return.

          Dean tsked. "Relax, mutt. I'm not who you need to be worried about anyway."

          "Watch your mouth..." Reagan pushed through us, not caring that she was naked in front of this stranger.

          His eyes scanned over her body, and he smiled. I had to clench my jaw to keep from lunging at him. "The human pet speaks. I've heard wonderful things about you in this past week." He was grinning ear to ear. "Shocking how fast news can spread through our world."

          "I'm no one's pet." Reagan huffed. Offended. "And they are not mutts. So watch your fucking mouth."

          His smile grew tenfold, and I snatched Reagan's arm, pulling her back behind us. As much as I love her boldness and brave persona, I will talk with her about timing.

          "Or what little human?" he asked, his calm demeanor still holding. A threat, we all knew what it was. Him being here.

          "Threaten her or any of us again, and I will kill you," Hazel growled.

          He threw his hands up in surrender. "No need to get violent. I have no desire to harm any of you, especially my dear sister. It's Alan you need to worry about."

          Ivy clutched my hand tighter. Her dad. The one who kicked her out of the pack when she got sick, not even bothering to figure out why. He just gave up on her.

          "Do not speak his name near my mates." Ivy grits her teeth.

          "So it's true? Not only does that human know about us, but she's mated to you all?" he laughed. "Holy fuck, little human, you're a part of the abomination squad. Mating is meant for two, no more, no less." He said smugly.