Chapter 23: Chapter 23

The heat continued to ravage my body for the rest of the night, Dominic tending to my wanton needs each time the inferno inside me flared up. He was reluctant to leave my side for any moment of time, even to use the washroom. But when I would pass out, my energy spent from the love making, he would disappear and return just before I could wake with food from Leah’s café. The pack was training Forest Paw in our absence, Dominic calling Christian when the inferno was small embers. Blue understood why we were away from Forest Paw; the scent of my heat would drive all the males cray and the females themselves would have their heat triggered if near me. He assured Christian that they were fine waiting for Dominic and I to return when the heat subsided.

Our stay in the bed and breakfast was extended another two days, the excuse to the owner being that the wedding was postponed a week later due to bad weather being forecasted and Dominic stating that staying here is safer than getting caught, which she apparently agreed too. A suit case filled with clothes for Dominic and I laid unopened at the foot of the bed, curtesy of Serena and Axel that came to make sure we were okay. The heat is beginning to die down, the consuming lust disappearing on our fourth night in this Bed and Breakfast. After another tussle in bed, I find my body relaxes into the mattress below me, an overwhelming exhaustion taking hold.

“Sleep Amberle. I think your heat is over.” Dominic whispers, pushing my hair away from my sweaty face and pulling my body into his warm embrace where I let myself drift into a comfortable sleep, the inferno inside me finally dying.

…

Warm fingers draw slow circles along my skin, waking me from a deep slumber that I haven’t had in weeks. My body is sore in places I never though possible as the circles continue. My neck throbs, the memories of the past few days filling my mind as I open my eyes and am met with the ice blue gaze of Dominic.

“Good morning.” He whispers out, placing a kiss on my forehead.

“Morning.” I mumble sleepily, a yawn following my words as I snuggle closer to my mate. My body wanted to sleep, needing more rest then I ever thought possible, and I was willing to oblige to this need for sleep. But my stomach chooses this time to protest its need for food. I sigh, glaring at my stomach for ruining my moment of getting to sleep in away from our pack mates and the duty to train Forest Paw.

“I guess we should head back.” Dominic sighs out, nuzzling his face into the crook of my neck where his mark is placed. A slight throbbing from the sore wound is felt when he kisses the still healing mark, causing me to wince, which hurts more of my sore muscles and creates another wince.

“How about a soak in the tub first to help ease your muscles, we can leave for Forest paw in an hour or so.” I suggest, knowing full well I couldn’t walk into their pack house too sore to move. Dominic chuckles again, climbing out of the bed in all his naked glory heading towards the bathroom where the sounds of running water informs me that he has agreed to my idea. He returns soon after, gently scooping my body up and carries me into the adjoining room. My sore body is lowered into the steaming water that smells like lavender, the tell-tale signs of Epsom salts placed inside as the effects of the bath additive starts to help relieve some soreness.

The water is turned off by my mate, Dominic climbing into the bath behind me where his hands slowly massage my neck and shoulders.

“How long have we been away from everyone?’ I ask, relaxing into Dominic’s skilled hands as he works the knots from my muscles.

“About five days. Blue and Christian have called to give us updates. They agreed to lying to Leo and saying we are on a scouting mission with leads about the Soulless.” I chuckle with the knowledge that Leo has no clue the mate bond broke and that I now am with someone who deserves my love. I knew the Goddess paired Leo and I because we were best friends a pups, but it is clear he doesn’t deserve me with how quickly he turned on me after the death of my parents. Dominic is the man that I needed in my life. As a rogue, he accepted my help in saving him, even if he knew I was Fire Foot, stealing from his pack. He trusted me, listened to me when I needed to cry, and held me when Leo was messing with another she-wolf, causing me immense pain.

“Well let’s enjoy the remainder of time we can before we have to head back.” I yawn out, leaning against Dominic. My mate chuckles, placing a kiss on my cheek. The hot water and the massage I get from Dominic every now and then helps to ease the soreness of my muscles. I just hope that I don’t have to go into heat again for a long time. I yawn again, still exhausted from the last few days and wanting to just go back to sleep. But I had a duty to perform.

Once the water turns cool, Dominic and I clean off, glad to have the sticky feeling off of my body. Dominic helps me to carefully climb out of the bathtub, chuckling as I wince.

“You okay?” He asks, wrapping me in a thick fluffy towel.

“Yeah. It was my first time with any one and I never thought I would be this sore. Do you think skipping training today is a good idea?” I admit, blushing. My body felt ten times worse than the week I started training as a Tracker. At least there was no soreness inside me. Instead every part of my body protested each movement, even after soaking in the bathtub for an hour. Dominic chuckles, pressing a gentle kiss on my lips. With a smile I follow him into the bedroom, sitting on top of the bed and towel drying my hair as Dominic pulls out clothing for us from the suitcase. Within moments we were dressed and leaving the Bed and Breakfast, thanking the old lady who owns the place before Dominic took control and drove back to Forest Paw, letting me rest my eyes.

“And to answer your question from earlier, we can use the excuse of scouting to skip training for you to rest today.” Dominic says, answering my question from earlier. We stop at a Tim Hortons, deciding that bringing donuts to the pack for leaving them to deal with Leo and Forest Paw without us hoping it would appease them. You could hear the surprise from the teenager manning the drive through when Dominic orders for all of their available donuts right after a normal Double-Double and a Green Tea with two shots of vanilla, the back seat smelling like a donut shop by the time we leave the drive through and continue on our way.

Axel is at the main road with a few other hunters, waving to us as we pass through Forest Paw pack line, a relived smile on his face when he see’s me sipping on my tea. The drive to the guest cabin is uneventful, relieved to be back with my pack mates until I see many frantically packing their cars with suitcases. With worried looks between the two of us, Dominic and I exit my mustang, rushing into the guest cabin as fast as I can. Catching Lease making her way down the stairs, suit case in hand, I stop her and look around at the hustling wolves.

“What’s going on?” I ask, Dominic checking to make sure there is no sign of attack.

“There is a blizzard warning coming our way. Blue asked us to move to Forest Paw’s pack house and help get everything ready to bunker down.” I nod at her answer, letting her go about putting her suit case away as I find Dominic in the kitchen and inform him of the situation. Many wolves were helping others carry luggage down the stairs and worry plaguing my mind.

“Have Lease help pack up my room. I’ll get a few of our wolves to go through the cabin and pack anything that can be useful at the pack house.” I suggest, already moving towards the pantry to start packing the food products.

“Okay but I want everyone packed and heading to Forest Paw’s pack house in an hour.” Dominic stops me, giving me a chaste kiss before rushing out of the kitchen. I find Greg, Concra and Christian, happy to hear they are done packing and having them help me pack up the food in the kitchen. Concra suggests packing the linin and extra blankets, giving her the okay to take a few other wolves to go room to room and grab what ever they could, reminding them to be ready within an hour. Dominic and Lease come down the stairs, the luggage from my room and Dominic’s room carried between them and out the door to my mustang as more wolves help Miles and Concra to pack the food and linen into any available cars.

“Some of you are going to have to run to their pack house in wolf form.” I inform my pack, seeing how full all the vehicles are. We would have had more room if it weren’t for the donuts taking up the back seat of my mustang, but I was also glad we stopped for those treats to bring with us to the pack house for not only my pack to enjoy, but also the pups of Forest Paw. A few of my pack members are already removing their clothes, wolves ranging from jet black to grey and brown standing before us, stretching their muscles.

“Stay together and link Dominic and I if something happens.” I order, seeing my pack mates nod before they take off towards the pack house. The wind begins to pick up, the sky growing darker and I know the storm is getting closer, maybe in another two or three hours. I frown, ordering everyone into their cars. We reach the pack house in record time, our cars lining up in the underground garage where Blue greets us.

“Rooms have been set aside for all of you, the underground bunker has also been unlocked for other wolves who live alone to come stay in.” Blue states the moment we step out of our vehicles.

“Did you open up the tunnel that leads to the dorm building?” I ask. The dorms were a project for the overflow of single pack members or newly mated pairs to live in before I left, still under construction on my birthday.

“Yes they are, we moved in a few families there for their own safety as well as filled up all the other empty rooms that aren’t designated for Blood Moon.” Axel answers, coming with many omegas that Miles starts directing to the extra food, linen and Blankets we brought from the guest house.

“That was smart bringing those here.” Blue states, pulling me in for a hug. He informs us that the top two floors are dedicated for my pack, leaving us about twenty-eight rooms for us to use.

“Everyone gather round.” I call for my pack, waiting for everyone to quiet down and listen.

“Someone link the wolves that took off in their fur forms what’s happening. Forest Paw left us twenty-eight rooms for us to use.” I start off, seeing Miles’ eyes glaze over.

Mates will share a room leaving us with about eighteen rooms left. The rest will be bunking with two girls to one room and two boys in another. Pair up and pick a room for you to settle into. We have no idea how long this blizzard will last so make sure you pick someone you won’t want to kill by the end of this storm.” Instantly wolves pair off, mates excited to bunker down with each other as they start to get their rooms ready.

“Guess I’ll bunk with Dom so lease and Concra can have some sisterly bonding” Miles suggests, causing Dominic and Bill to growl at him.

“You do understand the Bill is Lease’s mate right, and that Dominic and Amberle are mates now?” Christian asks our idiotic friend, watching everyone’s faces turn to look at Dominic and I in shock.

“Wait when did this happen!” Lease yells out, rushing to give me a hug and tilting my head to the side to show off the still healing mate mark.

“Five days ago. I ended up getting my heat the same day too which is why we stayed away.” I confess. Dominic breaks up the many questions that begin to sound from our pack mates, reminding them that now is not the time as we have to be ready for the blizzard. With reluctance, my pack mates begin to unload their cars, omegas of Forest paw helping to carry their luggage up the stairs. Of course Dominic and I chose a room at the end of the hall way, him going to put our clothes away in the drawers as I check the suit case that holds my Tracker Uniform, happy to see it all accounted for.

“Everything is put away, do you want to go get food?” Dominic asks, wrapping his arms around me from behind and resting his head on my shoulder. Of course with the news of the blizzard and us having to make our way to our ally’s pack house had the need for food put on hold. My stomach growled, feeling hollow and I nod, turning around to kiss my mate before pulling him towards the door. I am surprised to see how full the dining hall is, wolves who normally have their meals at home crammed into the pack house either in the hall ways, the large formal room across the dining room or cramming into seats inside the dining hall. Omegas were running about, refilling the buffet station and the hot drinks. But the one person I expected to be here is not. Leo is no where to be seen while his pack whispers amongst themselves anxiously. Of course he would neglect everyone with the threat of a storm looming over our heads.

“Go grab us some food and find us a seat. I need to do something.” I tell Dominic, kissing his cheek before finding and empty chair and dragging it to the center of the room. Standing on the chair, I take a deep breath and count to three.

“Can I have everyone’s attention please!” I yell out, wolves nearest to me shushing one another as I wait for silence to settle down. Once everyone is focused one me and parents have their pups under control, I look around the room and smile.

“Due to recent events, I will be postponing training for today. I estimate we have three hours until the blizzard hits and I would like for preparations to be done before then. We need to have a few of you go out and purchase more food to last us for at least two weeks. Some wolves will have to go out and purchase or gather fire wood in case the power goes out and we need to keep the heat by using the fire place and cook on the wood stoves.” I start off, smiling when Serena comes to stand beside me, a clipboard with the tasks I’ve announce written out.

“Who will go to purchase food?” Hands rise into the air as ten people volunteer, Zack, Greg and Blue being among them.

“Okay, after you eat head out immediately. Go two to a car and each of you chose a different store to go to. Don’t forget toiletry and other essential products. Now who will go for fire wood?” another set of hands rise, about twenty wolves – a mix of Forest Paw and Blood Moon – volunteer. This included Bill, Christian, Dominic and Axel as well as Scarlet.

“Okay I want ten of you to go out and buy some and the rest in the forest cutting trees and logs. Same thing as the food crew, two to a car, pick different stores to go to and leave immediately after you eat.” Serena is fast at writing down the names of the volunteers, Lease coming over to list the wolves from Blood Moon who chose to go. Looking at the room full of wolves, I notice the number of pups and teenagers milling about, deciding to give them a task as well.

“For their safety, anyone sixteen and under will stay inside the pack house. Those fourteen to sixteen years old will help with cooking and putting the food and provisions away when the group returns. Elderly’s will also stay inside. I would prefer if you all stay in the basement where the game room, pack library and toy room for the pups are held away from the windows. The rest of you will be closing the storm shutters and making sure all the fire places are lit. Solar panels are to be protected and I need a few handy wolves to keep an eye on our back up generator.” I receive a yes ma’am from the crowd, their own faces a mix of relief and determination in having some form of plan and leadership in this situation. Lease and Serena are smiling at me as I prepare to step down onto the floor and find Dominic, both now sporting a clipboard each as they decide that staying with me, the designated leader for storm proofing, when Leo comes barging in, rage seeping out of every pore as he storms his way towards me.

“Who the fuck said you can tell my pack what to do?!” He shouts out, Zack, Blue and Axel stopping him from pulling me off the chair as Serena and Lease stand in front of me protectively. Mia rushes in clothed in only a baggy male shirt and pulls Leo to her side, Leo’s scent and the pungent smell of sex wafting off both of them. Disgust fills me as I look down at these incompetent wolves.

“If you weren’t so preoccupied with fucking your pack’s whore then I wouldn’t have to take charge. We are under the threat of an impending blizzard and you’re too focused on getting your dick wet! You’re a pathetic excuse for an Alpha!” I state, rage building inside me knowing that Leo was going to let his pack fend for themselves while he fucked Mia. Mummers of distain for Leo float in the crowd, the dissatisfaction of the Forest Paw wolves for their so-called Alpha is clear to see. I had a feeling that once Blood Moon leaves, Forest Paw will have a change of leadership.

Leo starts curing me, threatening to show me what kind of an Alpha he really is and make me regret my words. I could sense my pack getting ready to attack him, wanting to defend their new Alpha female. I motion for Blood Moon to stand down, not too bothered by Leo’s empty threats as I remind the wolves to finish their meals and quickly start the preparation before the blizzard hits. I step off of the chair, making my way towards the table I spotted Dominic on with Lease and Serena following me their clipboards in their hands as we decide that Lease will communicate with Blood Moon and Serena with Forest Paw when everyone is out.

“I want you to stay inside the pack house while I’m out. I wouldn’t be able to concentrate if you were out in this weather.” Dominic states, his eyes full of worry as he stares at me. I nod, taking a seat beside my mate as he pushes a plate full of food towards me. Dominic is right, neither of us would be able to concentrate if both of us were outside in this weather. Besides, I am the designated leader of everyone as we work towards preparing for the storm that is fast approaching. It would be easier for others to reach me in an emergency if I stay inside.

“Just promise me you will be safe.” I whisper back, leaning into Dominic and wrapping my arms around him. We have just started our journey as mates, I did not want to lose him so early.

“I promise I’ll be safe Fire.” His arms wrap around me as Dominic reassures his safety. I decide that I didn’t want to sit beside Dominic, instead I climb into his lap, taking the small window of time we have to cuddle while we eat until our plates are cleared of food and Dominic heads outside to gather fire wood.

“He’ll be safe.” Serena reassures, giving me a hug. Lease, Serena, and I decide to start by making sure the Elders and the pups are safely situated in the basement below, mothers staying in the play room with the younger pups while I put on a movie for the older ones. The Elders congregate in the pack’s library, exclaiming that it will be quieter there for them. Once everyone else is situated, I gather the teens, leading them into the kitchen where Maria is waiting, aprons in hand for the thirty juveniles to wear.

“Since the Omegas are storm proofing this house and the rest of the adults are either watching the pups, gathering supplies or preparing other important buildings to keep them safe from the blizzard, you all of you are going to help cook.” I state, making sure to look into each and every juvenile in the eye. I know that many would rather be outside helping the other wolves out, but their job is just as important.

“You are all probably thinking this is a lame job, that you would rather be anywhere but here. But, when everyone finishes their task and come inside from the freezing cold there will be a lot of hungry wolves to feed. I need all of you to make sure we have enough food to keep everyone warm and fed. It is particularly important that you all do your best in here.” I see that my words have an impact as the teens who looked ready to sneak out perk up, their attention on me. I am putting my trust into these teens, trusting them to do their job properly and make more than enough food for the pack as everyone will be living here due to the blizzard. The teens begin to group up, Maria sending me a proud look before sending each group to a different work station with a recipe. It felt nice making these young wolves feel important, giving them a boost to their confidence. Maria and I help with explaining each recipe before sending the teens to do their tasks.

The room is filled with the bustling of juveniles, running around to gather ingredients and begin their tasks. Serena and Lease check in with updates of the tasks by other wolves, Maria reassures me that she can handle the teens and usher me out of the room. Omegas bringing in stacks of fire wood into the pack house from the snow mobiles the volunteers that didn’t go shopping use.

“Hey beautiful how is everything here.” Dominic comes in for a moment, a travel mug full of hot chocolate as his silver blue hair is covered in snow. I smile and press a kiss to his cold cheek, checking him over and glad to see that he has no injuries.

“Good, the house is being weather-proofed, and the teens are cooking in the kitchen.” I answer proudly, catching Serena and Lease sending us knowing smirks from inside the dinning hall. I roll my eyes, ignoring my two assistance for the day and focus on my mate.

“Well wood gathering is going good, can you do me a favour and call the pack. If the blizzard heads north Blood Moon might get caught in one.” Dominic gives me a quick kiss before he heads out, putting the care of our pack into my hands. With a sigh I walk into the dining hall, making a hot chocolate for myself as I take my phone out and call home.

“Blood Moon, Avery speaking.” I smile at the sound of my assistant, home sickness kicking in I missed my pack.

“Hey Ave, its me. How is everything over there?” I respond with, sipping on the hot drink.

“Everything is going good. Camile and I are holding down the fort, Silver is being an annoying little shit as usual.” I chuckle as Avery continues to explain how the pack is, telling me that training is still going strong as usual and that my store has been profiting greatly these last few weeks with Christmas a couple of weeks away.

“Have you killed anyone at Forest Paw yet?” I hear Silver’s voice cut into Avery’s report, another chuckle escaping my lips.

“No but Miles recorded me kicking the shit out of my so-called sister Mia.” I reply back, getting a hell yeah out of Silver. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, hearing Avery yell at him for interrupting her. The two were like cats and dogs always at each other’s throats.

“Look, I called to let you guys know we are expecting a blizzard here. Can you get Blood Moon ready in case it heads up home.” I call out, stopping their argument as a chuckle is heard from the other side of the call.

“I’ll make sure everything is ready just in case and let the pack know. “Camile’s voice answers back. Christian would be proud knowing his mate is handling the pack alone perfectly.

“Thanks guys. I have to go.” I end the call, reassured that Blood Moon is doing fine and head back into the kitchen to check on the cooking. The team with the stews and soup are just watching the pot, having nothing better to do, so I decide to teach them how to bake cookies. Serena and Lease come in just as we start filling the empty ovens with trays of cookie dough ready to be baked, updating me that the teams who went out to buy food and fire wood would be returning soon and I realize two hours have passed. The Omegas were bringing out the food that has been cooked, setting the dinning table up.

“We should call everyone in for dinner then and just bunker down then.” I suggest, taking the clipboard from Serena and noticing all the tasks are done. Wolves from the wood cutting task were filing in, some helping to carry wood into the pack house, others seeking the warmth of the fireplace in the living room. The two she-wolves eyes glaze over, relaying my message to everyone as I look into the oven to check on the cookies. Cold hands pull me into a warm body as Dominic’s scent fills my nose.

“Everything is done. We can relax now.” I nod, snuggling into my mate. Maria assures me that I can go sit down as the teens and the Omegas have everything under control, giving me an excuse to head to the dinning hall and relax. My body is still sore from the last few days but due to having to take the lead and make sure the pack house is ready for the storm, I have yet to relax.

“How about after dinner, we go to bed. You look like you need it.” Dominic suggests, sitting beside me and taking my hand.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” I yawn out. Soon more wolves enter the pack house, wolves carrying bags from various grocery stores into the dinning room where Omegas swiftly carry them away to be stored. From where I sat I can see the doors to the pack house is left open, snow blowing in as the wind picks up. The storm is getting closer to us, making it hard to see past the first three feet in front of the wooden frame. When the last wolf enters, and everyone is accounted for, the doors are shut and locked. All we can do is wait. Everyone begins to relax; Mia and Leo absent from the room which brightens my mood. Zack and Abby join Dominic and I at the table with their three pups. They were asking me and Dominic about Blood Moon and what everyone is like. They were excited to hear that I own my own house with a pool, already begging their parents to go swimming in the summer there when the lights begin to flicker, causing everyone to go silent.

“Do not be alarmed everyone, that’s just the blizzard. It’s not hit our territory.” Blue’s voice calls out to the crowd. The lights return to normal, Abby and Zack looking a little tense after that. I guess after having Lilly-Ann in the pack hospital really made them fear losing a pup. Dominic suggest we call it a night, helping my Zack and Abby to carry their pups up the stairs and into their room. I promise to spend more time with everyone, saying good night to Maxwell, Mathew and Lilly-Ann before Dominic and I head to our own room. The exhaustion finally takes over and after changing into pajamas, I fall asleep.