A Chance Meeting

"Come on Ivory, it's just a run, in the woods with several other pack members," Cedar said with a wide grin. She had been tasked with getting Ivory out and socializing. The pack was very social and tactile, and Ivory wasn't. So it became the number one goal to have her confidence boosted before Cullen came back from his council meeting. He would want to welcome her with a full pack run and celebration which meant a lot of rubbing by the pack in acceptance of her.

"It is still dark outside, and if you haven't noticed I am glowing in the dark white," Ivory muttered, using her palm to screw her right eye into submission and work.

"It will be fun. Seriously, a lot of fun." Fern added, nudging Ivory's shoulder before pushing her into the foyer. "And several of the unmated males will be joining." She grinned.

"It's 5 a.m., and you want me to run in the woods with fifty other wolves while John and Carl chase the two of you? Fine." She half growled. "But don't expect me to like Steve." Steve was a young unmated wolf who showed signs of wanting to get to know her better. Ivory wasn't ready for any affection. She was still pure and learning her limits at welcoming and declaring her feelings.

"You can do whatever you want, but you need to run with us. Damian said you needed the exercise and Steve isn't a bad partner to run with. And he, like all the unmated males, won't hurt you." Cedar affirmed. "Our males would never hurt a female

"Fine." Ivory said just before opening the door. The crisp spring morning felt great on her exposed skin. She and the sisters walked across the compound to join several dozen other wolves and humans. Ivory stripped out of her t-shirt and shorts, folded them and placed them on a bench with the others, and quickly fell to the ground, landing on all four paws. In the two weeks, she had been living with them, Ivory had become one with her wolf, and felt the freedom and a sense of family running brought.

The group headed out and quickly broke into smaller groups as they twisted and turned through the thick underbrush. The pack owned hundreds of acres and we were safe to run and hunt away from normal human eyes. Halfway through the run, Ivory slowed near a massive pond to sip from the cool water. She could hear others running past, and saw various packmates stopping and enjoying a sip as well.

The pack had over four hundred members staying in the compound and another six hundred in the surrounding counties, so each day she was introduced to new people. Today would be no different. Josh and Ginger were the first to join her. After scenting each other and a quick rubbing of sides Josh and Ginger branched off and headed deeper into the woods.

Ivory had decided to follow a separate trail. She could tell by the foot and paw prints others had come this way. She heard the sounds of padding heading in her direction and knew at least one other wolf was behind her. She came into a clearing, stopping to scent the morning air as the sun started to rise over the tall pines. Ahead she saw a massive black wolf step into the clearing. Ivory had never seen a wolf as large as him. Aaron was big but this one took her breath away. She could see he had blue eyes though they changed, taking on an amber glow as he watched her.

Ivory was stunned. For a few seconds, she became nervous that this new wolf might be there to hurt her. She had seen the look he was giving her from two of her fathers’ Betas when they came to see him. They had wanted to break her into womanhood, but her father's insanity kept them from approaching her. This wolf though was different. He looked at her with interest and she found she liked it.

Crossing the meadow, she held her eyes to his, never looking away, but never making it a challenge. She rubbed her head under his neck, covering herself in his masculine scent before rubbing her smaller body over his sides. He returned the gesture with a slight growl. "Run with me," he commanded.

Ivory gave him one last neck rub and nodded. "You lead, I will follow. This path is new to me." She said, with confidence in him.

He nudged her and took off. Ivory barked once and chased after him. He seemed to lead her away from the main pack and compound. But she didn't seem to care, there was something about the power this wolf commanded and she blindly obeyed. He must be another of the betas she hadn't met yet. He was handsome and strong, and she could see several scars his fur could not hide. He was powerful and a warrior. She felt no fear, but instead a new attraction towards him. The longer they ran together, the more their bodies rubbed against another, the more she relaxed.

For the first time in her life, Ivory was truly alive. This mystery wolf seemed to enjoy playing with her. He pushed her to run faster, letting her wolf truly free to explore. They ran for over an hour before he led her across a creek to a small island in the center. After taking a long drink, he turned and sprinted, bringing back a rabbit, laying it at her front paws. "Breakfast?"

"I'm starved." She admitted before tearing into the soft underbelly and ripping out its heart. She looked at him and lowered her muzzle, offering it to him. It was his kill.

"No, you eat up. This one is yours." Before Ivory could respond he dashed off. She tore into her meal. He returned with a second rabbit and joined her for breakfast. When they were done, he led them back to the water to wash their muzzles, and drink again. After another long sip, Ivory yawned. "Come on, we can nap here. It's safe." He suggested.

Ivory walked with him into the high grass. He circled several times smashing it down, making a soft bed for the two of them. He laid down and shifted. His fur retreated exposing tanned olive skin. He had dark brown, almost black hair. His eyes were cruelian blue. His shoulders were broad and well-muscled, leading to huge sculpted arms and a tribal tattoo that circled his bicep. His chest had numerous claw marks and other scars. His waist turned to well-muscled legs. And he was sporting one of the biggest cocks she had ever seen. She looked away before shifting. Her alabaster skin held a flush color from her embarrassment from looking him over.

He held his hand to her. "I won't hurt you. You will be safe with me. Come on," he urged her.

Ivory accepted his hand and lay beside him. She settled on her back, looking to the morning sky. "It's beautiful here." She offered.

He was looking her over. "It sure is." He reached his hand to her chin, turned her slightly, and leaned down to kiss her. He felt her tense and eased away.

"I," she whispered. She didn't want him to stop. His lips sent an electric shock wave through her chest and straight to her center. She felt her nipples harden and suddenly she was very hot all over. "I have never." She leaned up finding his lips again, this time they parted for him and she felt his tongue searching her mouth. He was an expert kisser and drew several moans from her.

He slowly broke the kiss and inched down her jaw, tasting her sweat and her pulse against her neck. He gave a playful nip as his hand slid down her side, dancing over her ribs. He could tell her heart racing and drew his eyes to hers. "Relax. I promise you will know nothing but pleasure from my hands."

Ivory should have been screaming to stop him, but his spicy scent assured her he was hers if she would only accept him. Her wolf agreed that this perfect man was theirs. She gave him a slight nod. "I have never been with anyone."

He seemed shocked by her admission. But it did change how he would proceed. He placed his lips on her right shoulder, licking the spot he would one day soon mar, but for now, there were other needs of hers he could meet. His hand found her right breast and his agile fingers worked her nipple into a hard bead before his tongue darted over the deep pink bud, twirling and tasting it. When he was happy it was sticking up a full inch, he started on the other. He spent a great deal of time between the two of them before she bucked under him and climaxed hard.

He smiled and looked down over the blush that fell against her white skin. He moved one hand to her blonde unkempt bush. He seemed to like that she was unshaven and let his nimble fingers pull and tug on her curls. His thumb found her swollen clit and brushed over it, causing Ivory to moan in approval.

She leaned her head forward, looking over her body, as he spread her thighs, placing them over his shoulders. He lowered his mouth and used his hand to spread her weeping lips open. His tongue darted out and tasted each fold, cleaning her completely before moving to the next. Using a single finger, he wiggled inside of her, finding she was indeed very tight and paused when he felt the thin flesh still intact.

He growled his satisfaction from deep in his chest and it vibrated through her center, causing more heat to pool. She rocked her hips against him, letting her hands fall to his thick dark hair. She watched as his eyes found hers and he began his assault on her clit. He rotated between nibbling and using his tongue. At one point she could swear he was tracing the alphabet over her sensitive nub, bringing her to that precipice and retreating. He had brought her there three times as his finger seemed to work in and out in sync with his tongue.

By the time he brought her to a third very powerful shattering, she had locked her thighs tightly around his neck with enough force to make him shift her weight. He moved, lowering her thighs and rolling her on her hip. A strong arm moved across her belly and pulled her to him. She could feel the steel pressing against her backside. "Don't worry little wolf, I will not take you. Rest." He nipped her shoulder as her eyes closed.

~~~

When the pair of wolves woke later in the day, Ivory was rather embarrassed. She was flush and diverted her eyes from him. "We should go." She finally said, pulling her long white-blonde hair off her shoulders and into a knot behind her head.

"What's wrong, little wolf?" He asked, reaching to move her eyes to his.

"Ivory. My name is Ivory. And we have been more intimate than I have ever been and I don't even know your name." She sounded shy.

He finally understood his mistake. She was not Kellee, the she-wolf he agreed to mate with. Darius Moller, an ancient Were had approached him about a possible mating with his daughter, so when he found the new wolf he assumed it was her. "Len. You can call me Len, and know this Ivory, my wolf, and I agree that you are the most beautiful wolf we have ever seen." He leaned over brushing a kiss. "Come on, I will take us back." And then without another word, he fell to the ground and his black wolf walked towards the stream, thinking of how he was going to be able to fix this.

Ivory felt her cheeks heating up and not from the sun. She joined him, wading into the cool pristine water, taking her to fill, and chased after Len. Now she had the name of her mate. She and her wolf both agreed this wolf was theirs and no one, not even her dad could deny her claim.

~~~

By the time they approached the compound, Len nudged her body in the direction of her clothes, and he headed towards the opposite side of the den. When she climbed the steps to the small cabin, it was Cedar who greeted her.

"Where have you been?" She asked, taking her hand and leading her inside. "When you didn't return, we got worried." But then a familiar scent hit her nostrils and Cedar leaned to Ivory. She knew whose scent that was. She had taken a few tumbles with him.

"I met up with several of the pack and ended up exploring with some wolf named Len." She shrugged. She tried to hide her smile thinking of the handsome man who spent a great deal of time making her moan and scream.

"I see. And you are okay? This Len didn't hurt you?" Cedar seemed interested. She was briefed that Kellee was coming today to arrange her mating on the next full moon. Cedar was concerned that Len's scent was so heavy on her. If he hurt Ivory, she would personally kick his ass.

"Yes, he was a gentleman. I am hoping to see him later." Ivory seemed to bounce on her feet. "I need a shower, and then I suppose I need to check the roster." She was starting to be assigned chores. She had no official rank so Carla assigned her to different duties daily.

"I already checked. When you didn't come back, I checked to see if you went to town or something. But anyway," she touched her shoulder. "I found out Alpha Cullen has returned. Aaron asked me to have you stop at the Packhouse so you can be introduced to him. Go on and shower and I will walk you over."

Ivory's near-permanent smile faded. She had grown up hearing stories about the man and though his pack had been great, if he found fault in her, then he could force her to leave. She quickly showered and dressed in her normal daily wear, jeans, and a t-shirt. Her waist-length white-blonde hair was braided to her right side. She didn't bother with shoes, not because she didn't want them, but because she was hardening her feet so that she could run as a human and not feel the rocks and twigs.

Cedar walked her to the packhouse. It was a three-story building, the bottom had a cafeteria and meeting room on one side. The other had the Alpha's office, private study, Pack library, and bathhouse. The second floor had dorms for unmated males and females. Aaron and Damian also had suites there. On the third floor were Alpha Cullen's private rooms. No one went up there unless invited or assigned.

Aaron met them in the lobby with a lopsided grin. "Ivory, could you go to the kitchen and help the guy there make the platter and then bring it back to Alpha Cullen's study? Cullen will meet with you in there l when you are finished." He looked at Cedar. "Cedar, why don't we talk about the new schedule in my office?"

Ivory shrugged to Cedar and headed to the kitchen. She was nervous about meeting Cullen, now it seemed she would be serving him his lunch. As she entered, she spotted Len at the island, making a platter of vegetables, cold meats, and cheese. "Hello little wolf," he said with a huge smile that reached his eyes.

She returned it as she closed the distance to him, though she kept the island between them. "Aaron sent me in here to help, and then take this to Alpha Cullen when it's finished." She offered to reach over and grab a bell pepper, knife, and cutting board.

"Did he?" Len seemed confused for only a second. "I know Alpha Cullen loves those sliced thin." He nodded to her. "I am sorry about this morning." He added, popping a cherry tomato in his mouth.

Ivory froze for a moment, her heart stopped and electricity moved into her fingers. This was it, this is where this gorgeous man was about to break her heart even before she could show him she was his mate. Ivory didn't look up but continued to slice the pepper. "I'm not. While I don't go around doing that, I am not sorry we did. I will just have to learn to keep to myself better in the future." Her voice broke a little before she cleared her throat.

"Ivory, look at me." He said, placing his hand over hers, giving it a light squeeze. "I didn't mean it like that. I should have told you who I was when we met in the meadow." He gave her hand a light squeeze. "I enjoyed our time together." He added with a second squeeze.

"Oh," it came out as a relief. He at least enjoyed their time. "I haven't been here long enough to meet everyone and I'm not officially part of the Pack, so you are forgiven. But it did teach me a lesson about getting names before screaming to the heavens." There went that red heat straight to her face and center. "And I enjoyed it as well." She pulled her hand from his and started slicing the next chunk.

"I suppose you know Alpha Cullen pretty well if you know how he likes his food. Any tips you can give me before I take this into him? I am nervous about meeting him." She asked, changing the subject. Ivory walked around the island and loaded a handful of pieces on the tray before offering Len one. She reached over and grabbed a piece of cheese.

"I know him fairly well. He is a good guy. He has a wicked sense of humor. Tough when he needs to be." Len popped the proffered slice in his mouth before taking a piece of meat and adding cheese. He set a slice of pepper in it, rolling it before offering it to her.

"I grew up hearing stories about him. I think I'm a little scared he is going to take one look at me and toss me off his lands." She continued to eat, redoing what he did and offering it back.

"Trust me, he is going to take one look at you and be in love." Len grabbed a pitcher from the refrigerator and filled two glasses with ice and sweet tea. "You are so beautiful and I just realized your name fits you perfectly." He stepped closer, moving some hair from her eye, and brought it to his nose, scenting her. "You almost look like an albino except for your eyes. You are ivory in contrast to my ebony."

The blush returned to her cheeks and neck. "I have never seen a more beautiful man than you. I know men are handsome, but you are more, and beautiful is closer to the right word." She confessed, sipping the tea.

Len leaned in, placing his hand on her cheek, as his thumb moved over her lower lip. "I'm going to kiss you again." He leaned in and branded her with his lips. It wasn't a light peck but a deep humid all teeth and tongue kiss. He stepped to her, one hand fisting her hair. The other hand held her face so his mouth could consume hers, drawing growls from both of them. He pressed his hips to her body, grinding their centers together. Hot tender lips moved down her jaw to the soft flesh where her neck and shoulder joined. He scented her and then held the tender skin between his teeth, making his intention clear. She was his.

"Cullen, I just heard from Kellee. She is pissed with you canceling today's meeting, She is," a male voice broke the moment. "Oh!" Edgar said, seeing what he interrupted.

Cullen pulled her head gently away from his and watched her eyes, keeping her hair firmly in his hand. "I know. She is mad, but I can't deal with her right now." He kept his eyes on Ivory, pleading with her to not react quickly.

"Cullen?" Ivory said, the breath leaving her body as her heart stopped.