Her Pack

Ivy

I returned from my morning run and immediately rushed to my room, my hands shaking a bit but I smiled as I replayed the events in my mind. Feeling watchful eyes on me, calling out and hoping they would show themselves, seeing that dark brown wolf again with its familiar silver-grey eyes and the way it had acted almost like a small pup when it finally approached.

The tingles I only ever felt with one person racing through my skin as I stroked its fur, making my heart speed up a bit in shock and excitement. When it walked at my side all the way home and I could practically see its surprise as I kissed its soft snout with a sense of connection and comfort I usually only got around the man my heart belonged to.

I may have chickened out on confronting him right then but there was only one explanation: the dark brown wolf truly had to be Nathaniel. I poured over my books for any information I could have missed and then spent two more mornings in the woods with the wolf while refusing Nathan's texts throughout the day before I finally worked up the courage again.

On the third morning I woke with a solid determination as I dressed in a black sports bra and leggings, tying my black sneakers tightly and grabbing my notebook before heading out the backdoor. I ran through a few stretches and pulled my long hair into a high ponytail before setting off at a quick pace. I reached the lake earlier than usual and paced back and forth for a bit, my heart rate rising a bit when I saw dark brown fur appear between the trees.

The giant wolf approached me as calm as always, wagging its tail and gazing at me with those silvery grey eyes. I took a deep breath and held out my hand, feeling guilty when he immediately froze and tilted his head in a curious but sad way. I began pacing again, feeling those eyes watching me closely as I chewed my lip and wondered how to start.

"Okay so obviously I remember you killed that rogue wolf that was trying to hurt me that day," I began speaking, holding back my smile when he froze at the term rogue. "I also remember flashes of my boyfriend being there before I blacked out. Obviously I tried to talk to him about it, but he decided to lie about what happened and act like everything was fine and it really made me upset."

I stopped pacing when the wolf gave a low whine, gazing over it closely. "I haven't really been talking to him because I was hurt that he was lying to me, and maybe a little upset because I didn't understand why." I said and the wolf looked down to its right guiltily, making me smile slightly.

"But after thinking about it for a while I realized that maybe there was more to what had happened that he was afraid to tell me. Maybe he thought that if I found out his secret, that my feelings would change." I forced my voice to remain steady as his eyes snapped back to mine and gave a slight smile. "You have the same guilty habit of looking away even in this form, did you know that?"

The wolf was entirely frozen now and I gave a small laugh. "You do realize that your family and community, or I guess pack, are basically the text book definition of werewolves or wolf shifters right? Closely bonded community tucked away in the woods, giant house with a bunch of unrelated people living together, basically everyone is good looking and in shape, and not to mention all the times you have all nearly said pack, or mate, or moon. Not to mention all of the growling! But when I touched you the other day and felt this connection, I knew."

The wolf practically trembled as I placed my hand on its neck and smiled at it again, this time gently. "I have never felt this tingling warmth, this type of connection, with anyone else. It doesn't matter to me if you're human or not Nathan, I love you either way. And I would never betray your secrets." I murmured and watched in fascination as the wolf shuddered before strange cracks and pops sounded and the giant wolf turned into the man I loved.

I barely had time to squeal before his lips were on mine, laughing as he grabbed me and spun me around all while being careful of my cast. "I-love-you-so-much!" he practically growled, each word punctuated with a kiss as I barely contained my smile. "How did you figure it out?" he asked as he finally pulled back and I held up my notebook.

He scanned through the pages, eyes bright with what seemed like pride and awe. "All of this from stories you've read?" he finally asked and I grinned. "Pretty much yea. All it took was putting  all of the pieces together and I finally saw the full picture. Plus this really helped." I said as I placed my hand on his arm and felt that familiar tingle and he smiled brightly.

"You are incredible, I don't deserve you." he said as he pulled me into another kiss and I returned it. "I just like to read is all. I am curious though..." I trailed off with a grin and he tilted his head. "Curious about what?" he murmured and I felt my cheeks grow warm. "Does this tingling feeling and natural connection I feel towards you mean that I'm your mate?" I asked shyly and he grinned bigger than I had ever seen.

"Yes, yes you are. My gorgeous, perfect mate." he stated proudly and I returned the huge grin before he kissed me once more. "So do you prefer werewolf or wolf shifter?" I asked curiously and he laughed. "We are wolf shifters." he responded and I nodded, scanning my notebook for a moment. "So how exactly do mates work? Can I become a wolf? Is Aiden a wolf too or is he human? Is-"

Nathan covered my mouth with a gentle hand and a smile, kissing my forehead as he removed it. "I would be happy to answer whatever questions you have, preferably later at my house though where I can get some clothes." he said and I immediately glanced down in shock and then squeaked as I blushed and realized he really was naked.

He chuckled as he pressed another kiss to my lips and then moved a few steps away. "Let me get you home and then I'll text you and come get you this evening?" he offered and I nodded, keeping my eyes on his as he winked and then shifted back into his huge wolf form. I smiled and went to turn away but quickly spun back.

"Wait I forgot! So do you actually have a wolf inside of you?" I asked curiously and he nodded his head. "Can I meet him too?" I asked and he tilted his head, seeming to debate for a few moments before I saw his eyes shift into a full glowing silver. I smiled as he immediately nuzzled into my neck, licking my cheek while he whined and hopped around like a puppy.

I giggled as I hugged his neck and he nuzzled his cheek to mine before I placed a kiss on his nose. He licked my face again and cuddled in for another hug before I saw his eyes shift back to the more natural grey. "I love him." I grinned at Nathan and he wagged his tail before nudging me towards the path home.

The walk home seemed to be over too quick and I frowned as I hugged his neck once more. "Hurry home and message me, I want to come over after lunch." I smiled and he dipped his head in a nod before nudging me towards the edge of the trees. "I love you." I murmured as I kissed his snout once more and then hurried inside.

I ripped the pages of secrets from my journal and dipped them in water, smearing the ink beyond recognition and tearing them into tiny pieces to be fully safe before throwing them away. Then I sat on my bed with a huge smile of disbelief and excitement as the events fully hit me.

It was completely crazy, totally insane and absolutely true. I laughed slightly to myself and then headed to shower and get ready. It was time to get all of the answers.

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A/N: Hope you are enjoying the story so far! Don't forget to vote and comment if you are!