Chapter 12: Freya

“Hungry?” Elias sat across from me and I knew he had to have seen my bloodshot eyes and puffy cheeks. Did he have enough social knowledge to understand the signs?

I shrugged but a growl from my stomach betrayed me.

“It was suggested that I get you a pizza…” was I mistaken or was he trying to distance himself from me now? He didn’t seem so dominant like he had before, it just felt wrong to see him like that.

Nodding I kept my knees close to my chest, my ribs seemed to have healed quicker too. I didn’t even notice the pain anymore.

Extra pepperoni… Andre whispered into my mind.

Get out! I snapped.

“Everything okay?” Elias cocked his head to the side.

I looked up at him, I didn’t know if he spoke out loud or not and if I answered without being certain he’d know.

“Are you okay?” He said again and this time I saw his lips move.

I nodded, “Just a very stressful day.”

“Okay, well they are going to pick you up some clothes, I’ll get us something to eat.”

“Thanks.” sighing I let myself fall back down, “Though I really don’t want those two buying me clothes.” least of all underwear.

“Did you get a chance to pick out a bedroom?” He was busy on his phone while he spoke, my guess picking out the food.

“You know I’m half naked right? I’m not walking around your apartment. Especially not while those stairs are see through!”

Laughing, he shook his head, “Damn nearly forgot about that. Sorry, I don’t use them much.”

I had thought for a moment to take his bedroom and force him to sleep elsewhere but shook that idea free when it was clear it was the workings of my hormones wanting to drown in his scent. He was a little too tempting right now and I was not liking how much control his goddess seemed to be taking. It was still my free will damn it! I will invoke Inari if I have to!

“Huh?” He looked over to me, “Did you say something?”

Quickly, I shook my head, “Just talking to myself.”

He nodded and put his phone on the counter, “I am sorry for everything that’s happened, and I’m sorry how I acted.”

“It’s fine.” I grumbled refusing to look at him. “Let’s just start from now going forward.”

“Sure,” he shrugged, “Want to tell me then who made you cry earlier?”

Raising an eyebrow at him I tried to delay answering.

“It wasn’t either of them, Oliver would have been far more defensive, and Andre would have come clean. I guess you got a phone call?”

I shrugged.

“It’s fine.” he sighed and laid his head back, slouching down to sprawl out on the couch, “I was told I came on a little strong by multiple people. So I promise to try to do better.”

“We’ll see how long it lasts.” finally, I was able to allow a short weak laugh, “Your track record for cool, calm, and collected is not impressive at all.”

“Blood boils hotter.” he sighed looking upward. “Are you really okay?”

Nodding I realized after far too much time he wasn’t paying attention to me, “Yeah,” whispering seemed to keep the lump in my throat at bay at least, “I just got a rude reminder of how different our kind are.”

“How so?”

“You don’t see it?” I raised up and stretched my arms out wide, “Seriously?”

That’s when he lowered his head with a devious wicked smile, “Sweetheart, you just look for differences. I’m looking for similarities.”

“I’m not your sweetheart.” I grumbled crossing my arms once more.

“Okay,” he shrugged, “I’ll bite.” That’s when he leaned forward and I caught a fresh whiff of his scent. My nose had been growing used to his lingering scent. His shirt wasn’t doing it for me anymore, but now him infront of me, looking back with those eyes that were practically undressing me- “Now who’s looking at who like a piece of meat?” he boomed tossing his head back.

My cheeks immediately burst into a blush and I looked down avoiding his gaze, “was not!”

“Oh dear,” his laughter faded and he leaned forward once more, “I can feel you getting hotter and hotter. What are you imagining? Maybe you’re just wanting a sample?”

“N-no!” my hands went to my cheeks.

“Looks like I finally found something that will get you to shut up.”

“St-stop-” but it was too late. He lunged forward arms on the back of the couch as he leaned over top of me. “You’re doing it again.” my voice couldn’t stop shaking. I wanted this, why did I want this? No! Clenching my eyes shut I thought about everything he had done and how against him I still was.

One of his hands went under my chin ,forcing me to look upward, “Open your eyes.”

They stayed shut. Even as I felt his hand move down my neck and then around cupping my cheek I kept my eyes shut.

“You’re someone who likes control aren’t you? You crave it. Someone like me, I’ll take it from you. I’ll let you finally relax. When you realize how much happier you’ll be with me I'll take it all. That burden on your mind, that worry you keep allowing to grow inside of you. That’s why the goddess chose me for you.” You’re mine Freya. Fucking open those beautiful eyes and look at me.

Slowly my eyes opened letting the piercing gaze of his eyes melt me.

“Don’t look away,” he whispered. “You want to blink, don’t. You want to shift or twitch, but I’m telling you don’t.”

This was the longest I had gone without talking. I wasn’t sure why but for some reason I still felt calm. My heart was racing thumping against my chest and ears nearly deafening me but I obeyed. I looked at him and I didn’t shift or move once.

“That’s my good girl.” He smiled and then allowed my head to lower so he could kiss my forehead. “Food’s here by the way. I’ll be back.”

Fuck… I swore and tried to shake that heartbeat between my legs. He was gone, I rushed to the bathroom and closed the door quickly only just realizing I made a grievous mistake by not bringing the blanket with me. Walking back was going to be a chore, then again, his shirt hit me mid thigh, maybe it wasn’t so bad.

I splashed cold water in my face and reached over for a towel. It was his towel… That scent sent me once again into a fit and this time I had his touch on my skin to recall with fondness.

Far too much fondness.

Fuck! I heard Elias swear silently. It might have taken a while but I was starting to understand the tells of mental talking and actually speaking out loud. Shes fucking going into heat.

Umm, that was Andre, listen you might want to cut down on the yearning talk there.

Please! Oliver chimed in.

Its not yearning! He spat back. I can smell her from the fucking hallway.

Should have come with us, this shopping is to die for. Oliver's sarcasm had knocked me clear at least.

Someone needs to watch her tonight. I need time away.

Not I! Oliver boomed.

If shes allowed to be taken to the Wallace estate then I’ll watch her.

With a low warning growl Elias shut that down, She stays at the apartment.

Okay, Andre shrugged back, but im not watching her either. Ive got actual thing to do. Plus you two should get to know each other better. You know turn on that charm we all love.

Charm? Oliver laughed, hes a fucking- nevermind. Yes, he returned with more sarcasm that I think meant Andre had tossed him a warning look, you are such a charming guy. I sooooo.. wish Freya would get to know you better.

What the fuck has gotten into you two? Elias huffed, listen if I stay here, well-

You painted the picture well bro. I am in agreement with Andre though.

Thank you Ollie. Also, I have an excellent idea. The poor girl feels left out and being left in the dark. How about we agree to not use the werewolf network to talk around her? This whole boys club is fine and I love you both dearly, but the girl needs reassurance.

Elias wasnt buying it though, You’re only saying that because you're the beta and the alphas mate falls under your duties.

Shes also my cousin. He returned to playfulness quickly, I care about her on a familiar level. It should matter to you that she feels welcomed you know.

It does matter, Elias grumbled. I backed off. Ordered her food like you suggested. What else do you want from me?

How about not treating her like a piece of meat. Andre laughed.

Tell her the truth about everything too. Oliver chimed in. Im talking about telling her about the pack, this city, and granddad.

With a sigh I felt Elias recalling a distant memroy, She doesn't need to know all of that.

I think she'd find it endearing. Andre was tossing him a bone now. Shes looking for something about you that isn't terrible. I’d say the abuse and exhile would be a great start!

Andre! Oliver snapped I guessed because they both knew I might have been listening. Look, hes right, in his own stupid way, but I’m done talking about it. Talk to her, stop getting advice from your younger brother and best friend because your younger brother will not be engaging in getting you fucking laid and your best friend hasn’t had a stable relationship ever. We are the last people to talk to! He added in hushed tones, we're also the last people you should ask to buy your mate clothes.

Yeah, Andre laughed, Oliver has the fashion sense of a young boy and I’ve got plans for you two. Do you honestly want me to pick out the clothes that you'll tear off her later?

I fucking hate you both. Elias sighed.

Good thing we gave the job to Rose huh? Andre laughed and I saw a flash of him and Oliver sitting at a food court eating. She was a little too eager to shop for her.

We ditched her like five minutes after arriving. Oliver laughed, there's only so much I’ll do for you as my alpha.

And I’d give my life for our queen, you know that. The whole packs rooting for you two, finally the Wallace and Anderson tribes getting together. I’d love to call you brother in law. However, just because im gay doesn't mean I want to dress your mate.

Fuck you both, Elias huffed. Shes been in the bathroom a while… what is the proper amount of time to ask if shes okay?

Sir! Andre gasped, if you knock on that door you are in the wrong! Leave her alone. I’m sure whatever reason she has for being in there isn't because shes only got a shirt on and doesn't want you to see her cooch.

Is that supposed to be a hint?

More than you would understand I guess. He sighed back. Take that blanket she’s been using on the couch, knock quietly on the door, and hand it through the small crack she will allow the door to open to. Don’t say anything either. Then take your sorry ass back to your room until she is back on the couch.

Since when did it become okay for everyone in the pack to talk to me like this?

Hate to break it to you bro, Oliver laughed, we've always been you've just been super absent.

Yep, we told you we all saw a difference when that little pack treasure walked into Rose's.

I was startled by the quiet knock nearly forgetting that he was a professional at having mental conversations. Meanwhile I wasnt able to walk and chew gum at the same time.

“The food is here.” He spoke low through the door.

I rolled my eyes, that’s not what Andre told him to do but of course he was going to do his own thing. “Fine,” I snapped.

“Okay, well don’t you want to eat?”

I sighed and cracked open the door, hoping he listened to the rest of the advise.

“Here,” he didn't look at me, which I guess was correct, he also handed me a pair of gym shorts. “Or I can give you that blanket back.”

Rolling my eyes I took the shorts and put them on tightening them as much as possible. They were actually going to stay on it looks like. “Thanks.” I said once I opened the door and walked back to the couch. He had listened to zero of that advise it would seem. Then again, I actually think I preferred his approach.

“Eat.” He ordered flipping open a pizza box on the coffee table.

“Thank you for the food.” I smiled nervously taking a slice.

He nodded.

My need to fill the silence was starting again, if I remained quiet things were going to get tense again I just knew it. “So, you found my car?”

He nodded.

“Anything I should know?”

He shook his head.

“Really?” I scoffed taking a bite and speaking with my mouth full “I find that hard to believe considering everything was taken.”

“Everything was taken.” He nodded, “car was abandoned near the pack territory border. What else do you want to know?”

I shrugged, “maybe who would have done it? Seems like you had a motive.”

“Wasn't me.” He dismissed me with a wave and grabbed a slice for himself, “not going to waste my time convincing you of that either.”

Sneering at him I took more bites. “Just going to sit here in silence then?”

“Maybe, though I doubt you'll stay quiet.”

He was right but only because if I was going to be forced to sit here I was going to make the most of it. Normally I would have been more comfortable being alone when I wouldn't be expected to talk, “what do you guys like to do for fun around here? You know when you’re not mindless animals and terrorizing tourists and humans?”

“We dont terrorize.”

“Could have fooled me.”

“Last I checked you were fine.”

“Bruised ribs, shoved into a cat carrier, kidnapped, need I go on?”

“You seem fine to me. You heal almost as quick as a werewolf. Also you’re being kept safe. Cut the shit with being kidnapped.”

Well he was right but that wasn’t supposed to be true. I did have some minor healing abilities but nowhere near what I just experienced. “You dont know much about kitsune do you?”

“Never met one.”

That caused me to chuckle, “more like you dont know if you've met one of us before.”

He shrugged and finished his slice before laying his head back again.

“We’re very different from werewolves.” I began, “we've got a lot of different abilities. Some are similar. You know you could pretend to be interested in learning about what I am.”

His head turned back down as he resumed that icy stare that sent a shiver down my spine, “this is me interested. I haven't told you to shut up yet right?”

“I guess no…”

“Last night you told me I didn't have social skills and you’re kind of right about that. I’ve got a job I’m expected to act a certain way and in my off time I don’t have to. So sorry if I come across as short and dismissive. My social battery is just drained.”

Funny, I thought he seemed kind of just the opposite as me in that way. I was expected to sit, be quiet, and take notes. Alone I was content not talking and just reading but if I was around anyone I found remotely interesting I was a chatterbox. The attraction between us was growing a but too much and my nervousness was coming out. It was awkward for me to be quiet around him simply because I felt like he was judging me the entire time.

“Go ahead,” he crossed one leg resting a hand on his knee, “what about your kind is different that I should know?”

Honestly, I wasn’t so sure what I could tell him. Latharn warned me kitsune were very private. There was some council that monitored us all for breaches. The last thing I wanted was to wind up on some list. “Well the one thing we all do you seem to be immune to.” That was annoying, mostly because I was told only other kitsune were immune, “we create illusions. You’ve always seen through mine. I can turn invisible.”

“Can others turn invisible?”

I nodded, “well depends, because there are different types of kitsune and we have strengths and weaknesses. Like I’m not too good with illusions so I just make myself invisible, others can do all kinds of other stuff like make people see entire cities that aren't there.”

“Why haven't I heard of this before?”

“Well probably because we don’t broadcast our abilities like others.”

“Okay so illusions aren't your strength, then what is?”

He was about to be very disappointed, and it made me feel immediately inferior to have to tell him. “Because my dad was a werewolf I’m nothing special. Kind of half power for everything.” He was this strong towering presence of an alpha… how could he even think I was worth it when I wasnt even able to be anything more than a half breed.

He shrugged and laid his head back down, “seems like you lucked out then.”

“Lucked out?” I scoffed. “Im not strong by any means. I cant do anything effectively. Clearly if I can’t even trick a werewolf.”

“You tricked plenty of werewolves.” He laughed, “no one has ever been able to slip away from Oliver. You also out ran me which is a feat in itself. If it wasn’t for the fact I think more like a hunter than what you’re used to you might have actually slipped from me too.”

“Okay, so maybe physically I’m not useless.”

“Useless?” That caused him to once again look at me as if I was some great painting on full display. “why are you useless at all?”

“Kitsune aren't physical creatures. I mean clearly look at us were tiny, no strength, easily over powered. So for me to be only good at the physical that doesn't bode well for me.”

He looked me up and down before shrugging.

“Its not like you’d understand. You’re the pinnacle of werewolf perfection!”

“Me?” He laughed.

“No offense, but when I think of a werewolf you’re pretty much it. Tall, strong, fast, your wolf form is absolutely insane! So I doubt you've had any problems.” I recalled Andre hinting earlier at the abuse he went through and immediately back tracked, “I mean, maybe I’m wrong though. I don’t know you too well. I’ve also made it a point to be away from your kind so it’s not like I have much to go off of.”

“You’re lucky the previous alpha isn't still alive. He'd kill you for that.”

“Why?”

“To him I was practically useless. Oliver's the pinnacle of werewolf perfection.”

“Oliver?” I scoffed, “he’s like half your size, a head shorter, and his wolf isn't nearly as impressive.”

“Yep dead right there.” He nodded, “Oliver was his favorite. I had to fight for my place to be seen as alpha. Nearly died too a few times, so if I’m this way it’s because I had to be. How you see werewolves isn't entirely wrong though. We are crazy. I’ve been trying to move us away from that since taking over but it’s been an uphill battle.”

“You actually want wolves to be more human?”

“More sane and conscious of our actions. Wanting us to be human isn't possible and shouldn't be expected either.” He corrected.

“So what I saw last night?”

“Full moon will always be the exception.”

“Right, but still it seems like you just let the pack run wild during the full moon. I mean you literally have a fucking wolf run. What’s that about then?”

“Like I said full moon is the exception. It would be unreasonable since most of us lose control during that time.”

“You don’t, and you’re also not nearly as old as everyone else. So I’d think if you can keep control they could.”

“I’m an exception on many things.”

“Because you’re the alpha?”

“No,” he laughed, “being alpha just means I have extra duties to the pack. It’s not like I have some special ability because of it, I’m the way I am because I needed to be in order to become the alpha. I didn't get any new ability or strength.”

“Seems like you have the whole world fooled then.” I returned to lounging on the couch tossing the last piece of crust back into the box, “everyone thinks the alpha of a pack is this great thing. You’re bred differently.”

“True for my previous generation I guess.” He kicked himself up off the couch and went to the kitchen, “drink?”

I nodded, “water please.”

“Nothing stronger then?’ He laughed and pulled out a six pack of beer.

“Dont like the stuff.” I winked.

“Gonna have started if you’re going to survive this pack.” He tossed me a water bottle and threw himself back onto the couch.

“I know youre going to fight me when I say this but I have no intention of sticking around the pack.”

He shrugged, “You'll have to visit at least. You’ve got property here right?”

“Oh let's not start on that.” My eyes rolled. “I’ll sign it over to Andre, he should have it anyway.”

“He's not accepting it.”

Fuck you! I heard Andre curse. If she doesn't want it then it should go to me.

You’re rejecting it. Elias growled back quietly. The papers have been destroyed anyway.