Month: March 2024

**Episode 4! What are Devin and Ellis up to? Let’s find out. Enjoy!**

The throat clearing made me jump. I whipped around toward the noise only to see Ellis standing in the doorway. Which given I’d been using the upper room of his shop for more than a week now, wasn’t shocking. The surprise came from the fact that he was holding a plate and a glass. He’d never come up here to eat before.

“I’ll clear out if you want to eat in peace,” I said immediately, setting down the awl, ready to move out of his way.

Ellis’s lip quirked. While I hadn’t seen much of him, I had learned quickly that was his version of a smile. He held out his offerings.

“This is for you.”

I stared, unable to help it. “I’m sorry, what?”

Ellis tutted. “There’s no reason to apologize. Except, perhaps, because you’re terrible at taking care of yourself. Really, your self-preservation is atrocious. How you’re not more than skin and bones…” Ellis shook his head. Then gestured with the glass toward the sofa under the window. “Come sit.”

I followed him because I wasn’t sure what else to do. When he held out the plate, I took it automatically. He set the glass on the small table beside the sofa, and then took a seat next to me. But all I could do is blink at him, thoroughly confused.

“Devin, you need to eat. You know that right? Your brain and body need fuel. And if you don’t eat enough, then you won’t have good control over your wolf side.”

“I know that.” Why was he telling me this? Every shifter knew that.

Ellis quirked an eyebrow, and I was fascinated by that for a second, because I couldn’t get my face to do that. I liked his eyes, because even in his human form, they were the yellow of his animal, and against his tan skin, it looked really cool.

“Do you?” He asked, his voice soft. “Are you sure you know that? Because Trey seems to think you only eat breakfast, because Duncan makes it for you, and dinner, when you sit down with Trey and Asher. The Alpha claims you never bring lunch from the house, and wondered if perhaps I was feeding you during the day. Or if you were going out. He was quite shocked to learn neither were true.”

“I’m busy,” I muttered. I didn’t know I was allowed to bring my own lunch. Okay, the Alpha had said I was welcome to anything in the kitchen, whenever I wanted it, but still. And I had money, but the one and only time I went into the Mercantile, everyone had stared at me. Logically, I knew that it was because I was new. But I still didn’t like it. It stopped me from visiting the restaurant or the café.

With a thoughtful hum, Ellis leaned back. “You do work hard. And that is an admirable trait. But you need to take care of yourself.”

“I’m fine. I eat. I—”

“To that end,” Ellis said, as though I hadn’t even been talking, “I will make sure you’re fed when you’re here during the day. I expect you to take a break and eat. Do you understand me?”

There was something in his tone that shot straight through me and to my core, taking root and sticking there. For a few seconds, I could only stare at him. Ellis did not blink—was it because he was an owl and they didn’t need to blink very often? —and it was a bit unnerving. I broke first, unable to keep eye contact. When I dropped my gaze to my sandwich, Ellis tsked softly.

“Answer me, please.”

My entire body jolted and I mentally cursed it for betraying me. I’d long ago learned to keep my emotions and reactions in check. It was too telling, and that could be used against me. A dominant but kind persona though? That had always been my undoing. And Ellis was displaying that in spades.

“I, uh. Yes. I understand. But really sir, I can take care of myself and you don’t need to feed me.”

He touched me then, a warm, reassuring hand on my arm. My gaze shot to his, and his eyes were kind, but there was also no denying the determination there. He would not be swayed. I had a choice of course. I could refuse and there was little he could do about it. He wasn’t part of the pack exactly, just under the Alpha’s protection. But so was I, and if I went to Trey, he would make sure Ellis respected my boundaries.

But the thing was, I didn’t want to refuse. There was something about this man that made me want to roll over and show him my belly, and my wolf didn’t normally like to do that. Yes, I was a submissive wolf, timid even in my human form, but my wolf side was more protective of me than that, and only showed true submission when I had to. This was something else entirely.

I didn’t know if it was a change in my expression, or maybe my scent, but I saw the moment Ellis realized I would comply with this command. That I was happy to do it. He arched that eyebrow again, then gave a pointed look at my sandwich. I hastened to eat it, and with the first bite, I realized how hungry I was. I devoured it, then downed the glass of iced tea as well.

“Good boy.”

I shivered. At the words? At the tone? Maybe both together. But I’d pleased him, and that warmed me. Ellis took the plate and then held his hand out for the glass. I passed it to him, and he nodded, that hint of a smile graced his lips.

“I’ll be back in a couple of hours with a snack.” It was a statement and he didn’t wait for my agreement before turning and heading for the door.

“You don’t have to—” I began, but at his sharp look over his shoulder, I shut my mouth. Those yellow, unblinking eyes stared me down until I nodded. “Thank you.”

Ellis winked and left the room. When he was gone, I slumped back against the cushions. I was in trouble, and if I didn’t nip this in the bud, he would get ideas. Ideas he shouldn’t get. Ideas I shouldn’t get. Because I wasn’t staying, and in fifty-one weeks, I’d be gone.

**Episode 3! I know it’s a little late today, but I was making some bread. Anyway, let’s check in with Devin, the Carver pack, and finally start moving the romance side of things along. Enjoy!**

Duncan was waiting for me in the alpha’s kitchen, and the warm smile that made his eyes crinkle had me smiling back. Neither the Alpha or Alpha mate were around, but Duncan seemed perfectly at home, as if it were his own. I knew he didn’t live here, because he’d left last night, but it made sense that as pack beta, he’d be comfortable.

“Coffee? There’s creamer in the fridge. If you prefer, there’s orange juice. Or have both.”

“Coffee’s perfect.” I moved toward the pot, but Duncan motioned for me to sit at the table. One of the chairs had the ingrained scent of bear, so I chose another one, feeling weird about sitting in what was clearly Asher’s spot.

Duncan appeared a moment later with a mug of steaming coffee and, even though I hadn’t asked, a little tray with different kinds of sweetener. A few seconds after that, the half and half materialized as well. I smiled my thanks, reaching for it, and Duncan winked.

“Pancakes?”

I straightened up, clearing my throat. “Please don’t go to any trouble for me.”

“It’s not. Trouble that is.” Duncan patted my shoulder and turned back to the stove. “It’s already mixed up, and it’s using Asher’s sourdough discard. He’s been on a kick lately, and if doesn’t get used, then it’ll be wasted. Plus the results are delicious. Let me feed you.”

I nodded then, not wanting his effort and generosity to go to waste. “Thank you.”

With the beta occupied, I let my mind wander. I had always felt cared for in my pack, even if sometimes it was begrudgingly, but I’d been on Carver Pack lands for all of fifteen hours and just the three people I met were warm and welcoming. It was nice, and I hoped it lasted. It could be that they were just being kind because I was new. But I had a feeling that they were always like this. And that, at least, would make my year here comfortable if nothing else.

I was still upset at having had to leave my own, my safety, and venture out. I hoped that once I was able to set up my workspace and fall back into that, I’d feel more settled. It was only a year, which was a drop in the bucket of time, and as long as I had my work to keep me occupied, then I could endure it.

I was surprised when Duncan joined me at the table, two heaping plates of pancakes in hand. He pushed the syrup toward me, and I used it quickly, not at all okay with the beta not going first, but not willing to insult him by questioning his word.

“Eat up,” he said, gesturing with his fork. “When we’re done, I’ll take you over to the Book Cellar and introduce you to Ellis. If you want to get set up today, we can make that happen.”

I wasn’t sure what the correct response was, if I was supposed to insist on it or demure. So I simply said, “Thank you.”

Duncan nodded. “The pack meeting is this Friday, so you’ll have a few days to really settle in. Trey wants you there. The pack as a whole know you’re here, so don’t be surprised if everyone knows who you are. But he wants to do formal introductions. Then we’ll run.”

That sounded terrible. Having to be on display in front of all those strangers? Running with wolves, and probably a bear, that I didn’t know. I tried not to let it show on my face, but I knew there was nothing I could do about my scent. I just hoped it didn’t convey the true nature of my feelings.

“Devin.” Duncan’s voice held a hint of command.

Dammit. It hadn’t worked. I set down my fork and gave the beta my full attention.

His eyes softened. “I promise, everyone here is good people. You’ll be welcome and cared for for as long as you’re with us.”

“Yes, sir.”

He chuckled. “Again, you don’t have to use ‘sir’. We don’t stand on formalities around here. Even Trey would prefer you use his name instead of his title.”

“Okay.”

Duncan sighed, but it sounded more like he was giving in than that he was frustrated with me, so I took it as a win. We ate the rest of the meal in silence. Duncan probably realized I wasn’t big on idyl chitchat. I just wasn’t good at it and it made me uncomfortable.

It didn’t take long for us to finish, and when I passed on seconds, the beta picked up my plate before I could protest. I offered to do the dishes, but he ignored me completely. I could tell by the little smirk he was doing it on purpose, so I sat quietly until he was done. Drying his hands, he turned to me.

“Ready to go? It’s only like a ten-minute walk.”

I stood immediately and waiting for him to walk out of the kitchen before following him to the front hall. I slipped on my shoes and took my light jacket when he handed it to me. It was still cold enough that even wolves could feel it, and since we were staying in our human skins, I would need the protection.

The scenery was pretty at least. With the trees trying to start budding and the grass just coming up, I could definitely see spring in the air. It wasn’t hard to picture just how breathtaking it would be once everything was green again. As we walked, Duncan pointed out the Mercantile, which was a general store that catered to all pack needs, and the restaurant that Trey apparently owned. The beta kept up a constant stream of conversation, talking about Trey’s other location in the nearby town and how the clinic was state of the art, no matter its small size. He talked about the playground we passed, and how Trey was looking into building a school, now that the pack had enough children to support it. I listened with half an ear, trying to absorb information I would need for the next year, but not too worried about the long term.

The Book Cellar was a brick storefront with a large bay window that made it easy to see inside. Instantly, my shoulders relaxed. Books were my happy place, always had been, and just seeing so many brought me comfort. Duncan held the door open for me, and I didn’t even think about the breach in protocol by proceeding him in, too entranced by the sights and smells.

“Ellis!” Duncan’s shout startled me but I quickly tried to school my reaction. Duncan gave me an apologetic smile.

A moment later, a man emerged from the back. He was tall and lanky, with round glasses and light brown hair that kicked out at his temples. For just a second, I was absolutely starstruck. He was just so dang pretty and it took me a moment to realize he wasn’t a wolf. It was a scent I’d never encountered before, but as Duncan and I drew closer to the counter, I started to put some pieces together. Bird? Maybe. Definitely a predator, and he had the distinct scent of feathers and forest I associated with wild birds.

“There’s no need to yell.” Ellis’s voice was soft and smooth, and it slid down my spine in a delicious way. Huh. That was an interesting reaction. But not one to entertain, so I shoved it away.

Duncan laughed. “We were standing here for five whole minutes, and you didn’t come out. Even though you knew we’d be heading over. I figured you were thoroughly involved with whatever you were doing.”

Ellis blinked in a decidedly owlish way. That was it! Owl. That’s what I was scenting. I wondered what kind, but then realized not only did it not matter but it wasn’t any of my business. He was staring right back at me, though, his amber eyes intense, as if he didn’t know what to make of me either.

“This is Devin, who’s visiting here with us for the next year. Devin, Ellis our favorite proprietor of books.”

“Your only, you mean.” Though the words were grumbled, the quirk of Ellis’s lips gave away his true emotion.

“That too,” Duncan agreed with a laugh. “I’ll leave Devin here in your capable hands. Show him around, and when he’s ready to move his things in, just give Asher a call. He’s organized a whole crew.”

I turned wide eyes on Duncan, surprised by that, but he didn’t seem to realize that was anything out of the ordinary. Instead he squeezed my shoulder and looked me in the eye. “That okay with you?”

I was shocked to be asked. “Yes, si—uh, yes. Thank you.”

“Good man,” Duncan praised, and I got the feeling it was more that just about my acquiescence. He gave a quick swipe of his wrist against my throat, then waved to Ellis and headed out. I watched him go for a moment, then turned back to Ellis, who was staring at me with an implacable gaze.

“This way.” Ellis motioned for me to follow, and I did quickly, not wanting him to think I wasn’t appreciative.  

He led me through the back room which was clearly half storage and half his office, if the cluttered desk was anything to go by. The door at the back creaked when he opened it, but he didn’t hesitate to go up the stairs. I was just as quick to follow him, though I made a point of watching my feet on the treads instead of staring at his ass. It was a good one, and if I wasn’t careful, I’d get distracted.

The upstairs space was clearly more storage, but it had all been shoved to one side of the room. When Ellis flicked on the light, I could see a large work table to the left with plenty of free space around it. An old and slightly battered sofa was pushed up against the front windows. The right half of the room boasted some more shelves and many, many boxes.

“Does this suit?”

It took my brain a second to function, impressed with not only the space but the natural light. Back home, my workspace was most of my cramped cottage. I had at least as much, if not more, space here.

“Yes, it’s lovely.”

Ellis cocked his head, studying me, and I was once against struck by how bird-like he was. I swallowed hard, unsure of what to say, not wanting to say something wrong. Ellis took that worry away when he asked, “Trey said you’re a book binder?”

Oh that was a safe topic. “Yes. Repairs, as well. Most of my clients are online, and they ship their books to me, I fix them, and send them back. But sometimes I just find things to repair. People also ship me all sort of books they want rebound and I do custom work as well.”

“That’s excellent.” Ellis offered me a smile for the first time, and I was struck by how that twist of his lips made my stomach lurch. “If you have time for more clients, I have plenty of volumes that need restoration.”

I cleared my throat but I couldn’t contain my eagerness. “Absolutely.”

“Excellent.” Ellis repeated. He fished his phone out of the pocket of his jeans. “Shall I call Asher, then?”

I was nodding before I even registered the response. “Yes, please.”

“Then I will. Welcome to the pack, Devin. I, for one, am very pleased you’re here.”

I flushed, not sure why that was embarrassing, but I managed a smile. With a space like this, and plenty of work to keep me busy, I was pleased as well.

**Episode 2 coming atcha! Familiar faces for sure in this one. (Hi Duncan!) Not sure yet how long this serial will be, but it’s definitely more than a few episodes. Enjoy!**

It was a fourteen hour drive in an uncomfortable rented box truck, Ariadne, my beta—could I even call her that anymore?—assured me once we made it through the small town of Mariot that the Carver pack lands weren’t much further. She’d driven the whole way, and we hadn’t stopped longer than to eat and use the bathroom. I wasn’t sure she wanted to make this journey with me, but the alpha had assigned her the task and so she saw it done.

As far as I understood it, she’d be dropping me off in the hands of my new, and temporary pack, driving the truck to the nearest office, and then flying back home. It was on the tip of my tongue to beg her to stay, even though I knew that was ridiculous. Ariadne and I weren’t particularly close to begin with, and even though she would make sure I was safe, it was done out of duty and nothing more. But I didn’t want to do this, and she was at least familiar.

I knew the instant we made it to pack lands, not just because Ariadne slowed, but because two wolves appeared out of nowhere to sniff at the truck, and us, and then lead the way. Dusk was creeping in, so the trees lining the way looked a bit ominous but the journey was smooth. The road was paved, but the way it wound around led me to think that it had once been more of a path that the pack just improved for their road in.

The alpha house was a large building with wings on either side, not dissimilar to our pack house. It was where the alpha lived, where the pack met, and where wolves could stay if they needed space. What I liked about the this house was that it looked warm. Inviting even. I wasn’t sure if it was because of the lights were on and shone through the windows or because of the clearly used looking furniture on the wide front porch. Or maybe it was the man standing on the steps, his bright smile welcoming.

Ariadne parked, and I waited for her to hop out before I did the same, knowing my role in the pack was to defer to her. I stayed a few steps behind we approached, but surprisingly, the barrel-chested silver haired man walked closer as well. Not the alpha then. Beta?

“Welcome to the Carver pack.” His voice was deep, calming in the timber, and my shoulders relaxed for the first time in days. “My name is Duncan. I’m the beta.”

Ariadne tipped her head and introduced herself, but didn’t introduce me. Which was strange, but I stood stock still, knowing better to interrupt. Ariadne crossed her arms over her chest. “All his things are in the truck. My alpha said you’d have a place for him to set up.”

Duncan stared her down for a long moment, and then turned to me, his expression softening. “Devin? Its wonderful to meet you. I’m here to make sure you get settled comfortably.”

I glanced at Ariadne, but I couldn’t work out what her expression meant, so I offered Duncan nod. “Thank you, sir.”

He waved that away. “No sir. Just Duncan.” He shot a look at Ariadne, but then addressed me directly. “We’ve cleaned out a space here in the garage to store your things tonight. We wouldn’t want to take up any more of the beta’s time.”

I wasn’t surprised when Ariadne bristled. When she spoke, her words were clipped. “Is your alpha not home to greet a visiting wolf?”

“My alpha is indisposed at the moment caring for his mate. Let’s get the truck unloaded and then if Trey is done, he’ll speak with you before you leave.”

Duncan didn’t wait for her agreement, just headed toward the rear of the truck and took it upon himself to raise the door. Ariadne had no choice but to follow, since anything else would break protocol. We were visitors after all, and that meant we followed the hosting pack’s lead.

It didn’t take long to unpack. Even with all my equipment. Most of it was packed very carefully into plastic totes, and though Ariadne didn’t seem to give it the care it deserved, Duncan was very conscientious. When I gave him a smile of thanks, he winked one blue eye at me. Duncan clapped me on the shoulder when we were done.

“You’ll stay here in the pack house for a couple of days, until we can get you settled. Tomorrow, I’ll show you where you can set up. Considering you’re love of books, you’re going to love the Book Cellar.”

I cocked my head to the side. “Who’s that?”

Duncan laughed, his eyes crinkling with mirth. “Not who, what. It’s the bookstore. But Ellis is the seller of said books, and the two of you will probably get on just fine. Now, come in and I’ll show you the kitchen. Ariadne, would you like something before you depart?”

There was something in his tone that I didn’t quite understand but clearly Ariadne did. Though her expression remained impassive, her tone was tense. “I’d like to meet your alpha before I leave my pack member in your care.”

Duncan wasn’t swayed. “My alpha is busy. I speak and act with his authority.”

Ariadne drew herself up, but before she spoke, the door swung open.

“Of course you do.” Trey Carver stood for a moment, backlit by the interior light, before he walked closer, all swagger. But it was clear he had the power and confidence to back it up. I felt it power wash over me like a cool, calming breeze and I took a breath. “No point in a measuring contest, Ariadne. Duncan’s bigger.”

“Alpha Carver—”

“Yeah, I don’t care.” Trey beelined right for me, and I froze. Jonathan had assured me I would be safe here and I believed him. More than that, Duncan showed me that the pack was welcoming, at least on the surface. So while the logical part of my brain said I didn’t have to worry about the alpha’s attention, my hindbrain saw Trey for the predator he was. “Devin.”

“Hello, sir.” My voice was so quiet that if he hadn’t been a wolf, he probably wouldn’t have heard it.

Trey laughed softly, and he brushed the side of my neck with his fingers. “Only my mate calls me sir. Trey is just fine. Duncan, take Devin inside and feed him and Asher, all right?”

I followed Duncan inside, not looking back at Ariadne and Trey. I didn’t want to get in the middle of it, and I was glad I didn’t have to worry about it. That was far above my paygrade.

The house was even better on the inside, smelling of fresh laundry and citrus. Also something else, something decidedly not wolf, and when Duncan nudged me through the kitchen door, and I saw the bearded man standing there, I instantly realized what it was. The alpha’s mate was a bear.

“Oh! Aren’t you the cutest thing! Devin, right? Come in, come in, let me get you something to eat.”

“I’ve got it, Asher.” Duncan directed me toward the table with a hand on my back. “Have a seat and get to know Devin.”

Asher made a face. “I’ll stand, thanks.”

Duncan chuckled. Asher flipped him off. And I couldn’t help the way my brows beetled together.

Asher smiled, motioning me over. “Don’t worry about it. Come sit. Dunc, can you make some sandwiches? Duncan makes the best turkey BLTs you’ve ever had. How does that sound?”

“Uh.” I had to clear my throat. This dynamic, the welcoming attitude and the hint of playfulness, was very confusing. “Good, thank you.”

When I was close enough, Asher reached out, but he didn’t put his hand on me, instead inviting me into his space. I was drawn to him, so I stepped closer and took his hand. The alpha mate’s smile was lovely.

“Good. Now tell me everything. Trey said you’re a bookbinder? I want to know everything about it and about you. We’ll make sure you have the best time here. I promise.”

Another deep chuckle sounded, and we all turned to see the alpha enter the room, his stride easy and measured. “Cub, give Devin a chance to breathe.”

“Yes, sir.”

The breathless quality to Asher’s voice, and the intensity of Trey’s stare on his mate, clued me that there was something else going on here. But I didn’t understand what and it wasn’t my business anyway. Fortunately, before it took up too  much brain time, Trey turned to me.

“Devin, you have my oath that you will be protected and safe here. And I, along with every member of my pack will do whatever is necessary to make sure you are as comfortable and happy as possible.”

It was a promise, backed with Trey’s power as an alpha, and I felt it all the way to my bones. When Asher grabbed Trey’s hand, the power seemed to grow, and for a second it was hard to breathe. But then it settled, smoothing into something comfortable and comforting.

For the first time in a very long time, I smiled a real smile and breathed easy.