Unofficially Yours
Adam Stanford glanced down at the lovely female inside his arms. Her features were truly angelic, and he finally felt a rush of happiness course through him at the thought of finally finding his mate. Her lips were supple, lush-looking, and plump—a perfect shape a cupid’s bow. Her nose was high-bridged, but perfect for her oval-shaped face.
He watched her carefully as her lips slowly parted, a perfect set of pearly-white teeth revealed. Her eyes were accentuated with her long, dark fringe of lashes and those dark brows with a perfect curve. He did get the chance to take a good look in her eyes. They were a deep shade of violet—one that he found extremely rare and at the same time, beautiful. A loud gust of wind blew, causing her brown curly hair to sway along with it.
He needed to hurry, though. He pondered the reason why she was wondering here in the woods when it was dark. There is a lot of danger that lurks around every corner. Minutes ago, he heard the sound of gunshots ringing in the air. The hunters must’ve come back to hunt his clan down, though he wouldn’t allow it. He’s been waiting for five years for her to come, and now that she’s here, he won’t let any harm come their way.
He hurried towards an isolated a part of the forest where he was sure that no one will find, and placed his mate down on the grassy ground, her head supported by a flat-surfaced rock. He needed to fight off those hunters now and for all, to prevent them from causing any further destruction and to protect his pack from the danger.
He stared at the nameless maiden who was fast asleep in front of him and leaned down, kissing her forehead gently. She wouldn't awaken, hopefully. This place is completely hidden from view and no hunters will discover this place.
He then stood back up and ran towards the woods, shifting into his wolf form. His determination was fueled, thanks to his mate. He now know that something or someone is worth living for.
Tipping his head towards the sky, he howled to the moon. His cry resonated throughout the whole forest, full of eagerness and determination. This night of the mating moon, those hunters are going down.
-*-
Michael Martins aimed directly towards the growling wolf as it used itself as a living shield for the dear female that was cowering in fear. The night of the mating moon isn't only a strategic occasion to attack. Werewolves' weaknesses are their mates. It is their primal instinct to protect them with their lives.
All of a sudden, another wolf burst from the bushes and tackled him to the ground. The gun he held flew off from his hand and he looked up at the marbled wolf. Judging from its size, it is the alpha.
He stared directly at the wolf's eyes and he saw a flash of recognition in them. It looked like it pondered for a moment before it blinked to itself and got off him. It headed for the gun it carried before it took it to inside its jaws and crushed it to bits.
The wolf stared straight into his eyes, a silent warning to never come back. He instead attacked the other hunters and gave them a small injury before he nudged his pack members and retreated back into the woods.
"Michael! Are you alright?" Victor came rushing to his side. He clutched his arm and helped him back up on his feet.
"I'm fine."
"The wolves did great damages. They didn't kill anyone, though."
"Did anyone of you managed to take down some wolves?" he asked.
"No. Only a small shot. But no. Some wolves attacked us from behind."
"But we had the perfect plan!"
"It looks as though it backfired." Victor told him, patting his back.
Michael rubbed the bridge of his nose with disappointment. "Get those injured. We're heading back to camp."
His men obliged to his commands and immediately retreated.
Michael thought about the reason why that wolf did not head straight for the kill. From back there, he thought he was going to die. But no, the wolf didn't kill him. But why? Alphas are merciless when it comes to hunters who intended on killing him and his pack. And now . . . why did he spare him?
When he and his men arrived back into the camp, a man breathlessly ran up towards him. “Sir, Bradley’s knocked out cold.”
Michael’s eyes widened. “What? Where’s Akira?”
“There’s no sign of her. We found this instead.” he held up a small dart in his fingers.
Michael took it in his hold and scrutinized it closely. He remembered his daughter’s foolish games. Sometimes, she uses this darts to sneak off. If she wants to have fun, she throws these darts on the maids so that they’ll fall asleep.
The dart slipped from his fingers and fell down on the ground softly. He ran back to the camp and saw Bradley being handled by two other hunters. He crouched down beside him and tapped his cheek. No matter how many times he did, he was knocked out cold.
He raked his hands through his hair and rubbed his palms over his face. He walked over to a tree and punched, so that he can vent his anger. Judging by Bradley’s current state, Akira unknowingly used her extra abilities. Being hunters, they aren’t so humans. They’re given additional abilities.
“Damn it! Akira . . . “ he grumbled. He then faced his troop “What are you waiting for? Send three men in all direction and find her!”
“Aren’t we supposed to hunt down wolves and not your daughter?”
He then thought for a minute. “Believe me. This is a big part of our job.”
-*-
The man’s violet eyes continued flashing into Adam’s mind. He reminded him of his mate. There was a great resemblance between them . . . especially those eyes. Those eyes. Could the last word she spoke before she drifted off to sleep be true?
Her dad?
Her dad is a hunter? Could that be the reason why she was here? Of all the fathers she could have. Why does her father have to be a hunter? Fate is cruel. And it could it be possible? No. No hunters can ever be mates with a wolf . . . unless.
Adam shook his head and cleared his thoughts while he continued running. His beta’s thoughts projected into his mind, snapping him out of his line of thinking. “Alpha. It’s nice for your plan to work. Who would’ve thought those hunters will come during the mating moon?”
“Oh, what? Yes. Of course. I’ve to get someone first. Would you mind taking over for a second?”
Since they were both in their wolf form, they could not communicate physically. So wolves in the same pack are given the ability to communicate with each other mentally.
“No problem. Let me guess. You found your mate?”
Adam did not answer that question and just took off to the direction where he left his mate. He was still pondering about the thought of having his mate with a blood of a hunter. How would his pack react to this? Would they accept her in the first place? He hoped, of course. But werewolves are known to be exceptionally understanding. The moon goddess had blessed them their mates. And so, their fates are judged by her. Their destinies are molded by one person, and one person alone. Therefore, there must be a sole reason why he got her as his mate. And what more of him being the alpha? Now this is making sense. The moon goddess clearly has this planned out.
Adam shifted into his human form and slipped some boxers on. He hides caches of clothes like this everywhere if ever he decided on shifting to his human form.
He walked over to his mate. She was still peacefully sound asleep. Her body was still adjusting to the mark he gave her. Her form looked fragile and angelic. There were stains of blood on her camouflage jacket and green shirt. It obviously originated from the bite.
He caressed her face lovingly and thought of what will come their way. Being mates with a hunter’s daughter would be hard. But that doesn’t mean he couldn’t show her off. The moon goddess’s ways are known to be playful, but the way she molds the destinies of the other wolves are just and wise. She can be cruel a few times, but everything she does is balanced.
He knows that this happened for a reason.
He picked up the girl in his arms and began heading back to the pack-house. Those who saw the girl she was carrying either smiled knowingly or whistled. He ignored them and entered his room, gently placing his mate on top of his bed.
-*-
Akira stirred from her slumber and opened her eyes to find herself tucked in on a foreign bed, inside a strange room. She rubbed her eyes and tapped her cheek, trying to wake herself from another suspected dream. She moved her shoulder and felt a stinging pain slice through her. She dragged her sleeve down and saw a swollen bite mark that looked as if shifting into an image.
So this isn’t a dream.
She sighed. That man was just . . . mad. Who was he anyway? If he ever plans on laying a finger on her again, she’ll be defending herself. She was sure of it. She didn’t know what happened back there. What had gotten into her that she didn’t defend herself?
“I’m glad you’re awake.” A voice rang beside her.
Akira’s head snapped towards the source and she found a girl sitting on a tacky, plastic chair. “Uh . . . hello. What am I doing here?”
“Our alpha brought you here.” she answered.
“A-alpha?”
“Yep! Oh, here you go.” she extended her arms and handed her some clothes. “Here are your changing clothes.”
Akira looked down at herself and saw that she was still wearing the same clothes she wore the other night. Her jacket was gone and nowhere to be found, leaving her on her bloody shirt. She took a brief glance at the window of the room and saw the lights penetrating through the blinds. Time has long passed clearly. She couldn’t help but think about how worried her father might be right now.
“Thank you.” she told the girl. She scrutinized the girl closely. She had black hair that she tied up into a sloppy ponytail. There were strands that fell on her face, but she clipped it back. Her eyes were a warm, chocolate brown and she smiled at the cute button nose that sat on top of her face. The girl blushed at her scrutiny and hid her face behind her hair. Her lips were a bit chapped and pale, but they were pink. She sank her teeth on her bottom lip.
“My name’s Annabelle. But you can call me Ann.” she told her. “What’s your name?”
She hesitated. “It’s Akira.”
“I know this is a bit confusing for you. About what happened last night and all, but—“
“Last night? What do you know about what happened last night?” she asked, her brows meeting in confusion.
“It’s not really my place to say. But I was there.” she answered. “Listen. I may be young for this, but you should ask Alpha Adam. He’ll explain everything to you.”
It was true. This girl looked around the age of twelve or thirteen.
“I don’t need any explanation.” Akira told her as she hauled her feet out of bed and headed towards the comfort room. “I need to leave. My father’s probably worried.”
“I’m sorry, Akira. But you cannot leave. Your father will have to wait.”
“Why not?” she queried, spinning around and looking at Ann. “This is a free country. I have the right to come and go as I please.”
Ann shook her head. “If you only know. But all I’m here for is to assist you. Those questions you want answered should be directly from Alpha Adam. It’s not my position to say.” she started fiddling with her fingers.
“Take me to him.”
“You should probably change your clothes first.”
“No. I want to see him now. And I want those questions answered.”
“I—I . . .”
“Please, Ann. I promise I won’t get you in trouble.”
“Oh, okay. But do you promise?”
“I do.”
“Change your clothes first, then.” she insisted.
Akira sighed and held up the clothes she carried inside her hands. “Your one stubborn little girl.” she commented.
“Yeah,” Ann giggled. “Just like you.”
She shook her head and entered the bathroom, speedily changing into the clothes she’d been handed. She couldn’t wait to face that Adam guy, and whoever he is. She has the right to leave this house and too bad, she was about to say thank you.
She can’t help but wonder why she was here in the first place. That wolf . . . that man. Could he be him?
She walked out of the bathroom and headed straight for Ann’s hand. She lightly grabbed her wrist and began dragging her out of the room fervently. The abrupt action made Ann stumble, but she immediately caught up and began matching Akira’s pace.
“Wait, Akira. You don’t have to rush.”
Akira stopped at her tracks and took a deep breath, calming her wracked nerves. She wondered if another wolf will be growling behind her, but that was totally her imagination. The images of the events that unfolded last night seemed to be flashing repeatedly in her mind. She worried about how her father will react when he sees her. She was the only family he had. Her mother’s long gone.
“Okay, then. You lead the way.”
Ann sighed to herself and grabbed her fingers, tagging her towards a certain direction until they both stepped up in front of an average-sized door. A few members greeted both of them as they passed. Ann nodded at them while Akira was getting really crept out this very second. How could so many people live in a single, large house alone?
“This is his office. He’s probably inside arranging a few . . . things about our . . . well . . . uh . . . group. So, you should go inside.”
“Thank you, Ann.” Akira reached for the door but Ann hesitated and grabbed her wrist.
“Wait. You should um . . . stay put. I’ll check in first.”
Ann reached out for the knob and opened the door. Akira felt Ann pushing her beside the door, hiding her from complete view while she entered the room.
“Alpha,” Ann respectfully bowed her head. “Your um . . . uh . . .”
Akira barged into the room impatiently and spotted a familiar face sitting behind a wooden desk. Her violet eyes landed on a figure of a man, working with countless papers on his table. Her heart lurched on her throat as he recognized his features.
This was the man from that night.
“Akira . . .” Ann tried speaking but Adam flicked his wrist at her dismissively.
“It’s okay, Ann. You can leave.”
Akira watched Ann leave the room and close the door behind her shut. “Tell me.” Akira said. “Who are you? What did you do to me? And why am I here? Why can’t I leave?”
Adam gave her an amused smile and laced his fingers together while leaning back on his seat. “Which should I answer first?”
“Just answer the damn questions.”
“First, my name is Adam Stanford and I am the alpha of this pack. Second, if you are talking of what happened last night, I marked you. And no, I didn’t take any advantage of you while you were asleep. Third, you are here because you are my mate. And fourth, you can’t leave and that’s that.”
Akira opened her mouth, infuriated by his brief explanation. As far as she knows she’s a free citizen! “You . . . are you a mad-man? Why did you bite me?” At this thought, she reached out and held her swollen wound inside her hand. She instantly pulled back from the stinging pain. As she stared at her hand and shook her head slightly in the denial, her brows met in confusion. “Are you crazy?
“Love, I am not crazy.” he stood from his seat and walked over to her. She seemed naïve. If she is the daughter of a hunter, then she has to know everything about werewolves. It appears that her father didn't tell her anything regarding their nature. But why was she there in the first place?
This is going to be harder than he thought.
“Listen.” he tried reaching for her face but she slapped his hand away.
She ignored the sparks that erupted when their skins brushed against each other. Akira suddenly found herself staring at the man before her. He was handsome, of course. But the way his brain works is implausible. “Don’t touch me. Just tell me the damn truth.” she snapped.
She recognized those sterling-grey eyes and felt herself soften. She shook her head and slapped herself mentally. She wouldn't let what happened that other night repeat. Her plans are simple, leave this horrendous place and go back to her father. Although she felt something inside her stop her.
No. Snap out of it. You can't be believing all this crazy stuff he's saying! She thought sternly to herself. Akira refrained herself from believing it.
“Let me get this straight. If you want the truth, then so be it. I’m a werewolf and you are my mate. That is the reason why I bit you. I marked you as mine. And you can’t leave because you are living here with me.”
“That’s ridiculous! There are no such things as werewolves! Are you nuts? Or should I just call the asylum to wrap you in some clothes and take you to the hospital?!” she asked. “Man, this guy’s totally bizarre.” she whispered to herself.
Akira couldn’t help but trace the wound she had on the base of her shoulder. Why the hell would a guy bite her on the shoulder? He’s a total bipolar. Her brows curved down into a frown of disbelief as she hissed from the pain that stung on her shoulder. What if he has rabies or something? Human bites can be simply dangerous. This guy’s nuts. And why would he come around shouting he was a werewolf and she was his mate? Someone fix the guy’s brain!
“You don’t believe me?”
Akira turned to him and shook her head. “I don’t care about your crappy werewolf stuff. I just want to leave and go home.”
“You can’t.”
“Oh, come on!” she threw her hands up in the air. “I don’t want any guy running around and telling me he’s a werewolf and I’m his bloody friggin’ mate! How the hell does your brain works anyway?!” she snapped.
“Do you or do you not believe me?” he growled. He was getting a bit impatient with her tactics.
Akira flashed him a challenging glare. This Adam guy was just entirely unbelievable. She could feel the irritation and anger boiling in her blood. Can't he just let her go? “Make me.”
He then took a few steps back and called to his wolf. Akira watched in wide eyes as she heard bones snapping and popping into places. His form started shifting into those of a wolf. His body molded, fur popping out of his skin. His ears sharpened, perking into wolf ears. His broad hands turned into paws and a furry tail grew out behind him.
Standing in front of Akira, was the familiar marbled wolf that chased him the other night.
" . . . " For the second time, Akira found herself speechless.
I updated double time. But I got a little bit inspired in this story and uploaded again. I hope you liked it though.