⚠️warnings: missing person, mention of kidnapping & killings
In contrast to the desolate setting surronding the bar, the view from Ajani’s hotel balcony is vibrant and bustling. The hotel is nestled in the middle of an Oak lined street. A beautiful Magnolia tree is in view, just across the way.
When her eyes drift to Quinn again, who is sitting across from her at the table, the younger woman is staring off, her mind working out the details of everything she just heard.
“Adrian’s a lone wolf, always has been. He’s set off on solo adventures for years, just takes his bike and rides. He came through here. I just need to piece the rest together.”
I’m really enjoying where you are taking this story! Lots of things happening here.
I’m curious about the connection between Will and Ajani, it’s definitely warming up the room both literally and figuratively.
I’m glad Andre is okay, if in danger. I hope the Millers and Ajani can get to him in time. I’m also very curious as to where Izara will be taking her and who we will meet next.
Bennys side of the story is also interesting. Just who did the rogues take? Hmm.
⚠️warnings: missing person, mention of kidnapping & killings
In contrast to the desolate setting surronding the bar, the view from Ajani’s hotel balcony is vibrant and bustling. The hotel is nestled in the middle of an Oak lined street. A beautiful Magnolia tree is in view, just across the way.
When her eyes drift to Quinn again, who is sitting across from her at the table, the younger woman is staring off, her mind working out the details of everything she just heard.
“Adrian’s a lone wolf, always has been. He’s set off on solo adventures for years, just takes his bike and rides. He came through here. I just need to piece the rest together.”
Quinn glimpses at Ajani’s phone once more. “I would remember if I saw him. He’s handsome.”
“And too old for you.” Ajani takes her phone back with a smile. “Do you think I could ask around at the bar?”
“It’s better if you talk to my parents. Any non-pack member allowed to stay get vetted by them and Will. And my mom is like a Crow. She remembers everyone’s faces, even if they just came once for 5 minutes.”
“Alright, can they meet today?”
“We can try. I’ll call ‘em now.” Quinn rises to her feet and makes the call inside the room.
…
Shortly after, Quinn drives Ajani out to her childhood home, where her parents still live. It’s a classic two story house bookended by majestic trees with sprawling land surrounding it.
On the ride over, Quinn filled her in on the family. Jon, their father, is the Alpha of the Pack. Her brother Will Beta and next in line to lead. Izara, her mother, is a Luna.
Their marriage 26 years ago, a year before Quinn was born, united two packs, making them the most powerful pack in the area. At the time, it was a shock since most wolves didn’t combine packs, and theirs never did previously. But as Quinn tells it, Jon was ready to bite off anyone’s head who tried to stop it. Her parents made history.
The two of them talked the whole way over. By the time they arrived the one thing Ajani wanted to know the most remained unanswered; why Quinn was helping her.
Ajani decided to shelf it for the moment and concentrate on talking to Jon and Izara. For the first time in weeks, Ajani feels hopeful; maybe this would point her in the right direction.
Upon entering the house, Quinn directs her to the living room and breaks away in another direction. “I’ll be right back.” She announces before disappearing around a corner.
Anticipation pumps through Ajani’s veins as she makes a left toward the living room. Before stepping inside, a newly familiar scent hits her nose, followed by the heightening of her senses.
Entering the room, she finds Will sitting on one of the couches, deliciously spread out, arms on the back of the couch, legs open. It’s downright sinful for a man to look this good. The little smirk that appears at the corner of his lips nearly takes her breath away.
“William.” She smirks.
He chuckles. “It’s Will. Don’t let Quinn influence you.”
“What don’t you like it?” Ajani sits in the love seat to his left. Will follows her with his eyes and a slight turn of his head.
“There are three situations in which I’ve been called William. School, which was a long time ago, by my mother whenever I was in trouble as a kid, or when Quinn is pissed at me. I prefer Will.”
“Okay, Will it is then.” She can’t pull her eyes away, even though every passing second she looks at him, her body tempature climbs rapidly.
Will abruptly stands and goes over to her. The herculean man crouches down in front of her and takes hold of her left arm. He admires the large tattoo covering the length of her forearm. Will zones in on a vine of flowers.
“What flower is this?”
“Amethyst falls-” Ajani’s heart is pounding in her chest now. He’s so close she can touch him. The way he firmly but gently holds her arm excites her. “Wisteria.”
“Why Wisteria?” He turns her arm, to view the otherside. His eyes jump up to meet hers.
“Spiritual reasons. I’ve always felt like Wisteria is my soul plant…” she trails off, becoming further hypnotized by his sapphire eyes, “-a protector.”
Will’s hand moves down her arm to her hand. Taking his time, he turns it over and touches the inside of her palm. She can feel the touch in other places and holds her breath.
Will brings her hand to his nose and mouth. His facial hair tickles her skin. He closes his eyes and sniffs her palm. “What are you?”
An scene flashes in her mind; she images tearing his clothes off and straddling him right here. Her body goes completely still. “-just, mortal.”
“No,” his eyes remain closed. Will releases her hand then grips the arms of the couch. He inches closer, hovering over her. Ajani stretches her neck to look up at him.
When he finally opens his eyes, they’re smoldering with intensity. Ajani’s breath quickens. Will closes them once more, and zones in on her neck. He’s so close now the tip of his nose brushes against her skin. Ajani moans at contact.
“M-maybe it’s the magic thing?” She shudders, too aroused to move.
“No. I’ve smelled witches before.” His large strong hand cups the side of her face. Will continues to hoover at the space between her neck and shoulder. “You are different,” his face is directly in front of hers now, “half breed.” He licks his lips, his eyes moving over her face now.
“Um…,” Ajani laughs nervously, “something to investigate after I- “her gaze falls to his lips, “I…do what I came here for, first.”
Will rises to his feet, widening the space between their bodies. Ajani takes in every moment of it, her eyes traveling the length of him. “You should.” He smirks and returns to where he was seated.
Not a second later, Quinn walks in, “get a room you two.” She settles into the couch Will is on. “They’re coming, Ben too.” Quinn’s eyes move from Will to Ajani, "I suspected that too, the whole half-species thing.”
Ajani pulls her gaze away from Will, turning her attention to Quinn. “Do you have something cold to drink, sweet tea maybe, even ice water?” Quinn shakes her head and leaves the room.
“You’ve just adopted a little sister. I hope you know that.”
“I’m getting that feeling.”
“She always wanted a sister,” Will glances in the direction of the archway. “She would read all those books about magic in high school, watch all those movies…you’re stuck with her.”
Ajani chuckles, “ I don’t mind.”
Will leans over, resting his elbows on his thighs as his hands come together. His voice drops so low she can barely hear him,
“I know you don’t know each other. If you did, Quinn would have bought you around years ago.”
A tinge of anxiety fills her at the words, but she’s not surprised. Ajani gathers she’s pretty much the big sis of Quinn’s dreams. It makes sense, all of it.
“So it’s safe to bet, as far as the Millers are concerned, you know the truth but are still willing to hear me out?”
“Exactly.” He replies before sitting back. Will’s mastered the perfect blend of calm, controlled, and intense. His penatrative stare is intoxicating.
Quinn enters with a large glass of tea, containing an insane amount of ice; it’s mostly ice. Quinn hands it to her.
Ajani sighs at the instant relief of the drink in her hands. Will set her body on fire, and now, she somehow had to get herself together to talk to Jon and Izara.
The moment the couple walks through the front door, she can feel embarrassment wash over her. It was no secret she was aroused, and from the sinful little glances Will is sending her way, he was loving it.
Great. Just great. Meeting the parents smelling like a horny teen. Great second impression.
Ajani digs around in her bag and grabs hold of a small mojo bag. With a quick upward glance, she notices Will and Quinn’s noses wrinkle.
You can’t get anything past werewolves.
It was a simple mix. The only purpose was to dim her scent. Ajani had serious shit to talk about. She couldn’t do that while imagining Will lifting her up and having his way with her on the nearby wall. Or bending her in unholy postions on the nearby table.
As she runs her fingers over the pouch, Will chuckles. He flashes that devilish smirk at her. Flustered, Ajani stays seated as still as possible and tears her eyes away from him. She releases the pouch and rests her hands on the arms of the loveseat.
When the couple enters the room, everyone greets each other. Ajani stands and shakes both their hands. She’s still on edge, they don’t know her and they’re both reading her. But, gaining an audience with them had to be a good sign. They easily could have kicked her out of the bar or worse.
Jon and Izara sit on the second couch. It’s across from where Will and Quinn are seated. No one talks at first, and the longer the Alphas study her, the more her anxiety grows. The jewelry is near useless at this point. Will knocked Ajani off-center; now she has two powerful Alphas staring into her soul.
Breathing through her discomfort, she sits it out. There was no way in hell she was going to disrespect them or upset them, especially not in their house. So whenever Izara or Jon are ready to speak, the conversation will start.
Much to Ajani’s relief, Izara and Jon exchange a glance, then the conversation begins. Once given the floor, Ajani tells them everything she told Quinn. After that’s done, she pulls a photo from her bag. Leaning over the coffee table, she hands it to Jon, he takes it.
“This is Andre, a recent photo. I took it 3 months ago.”
Jon raises a brow, looks at Izara, then hands it to her. The striking couple has solid poker faces, Ajani can’t tell at first glance if they have seen him or not.
Izara lowers the photo, her striking grey eyes meet Ajani’s, “we’ve seen him. About, 23 days ago.”
Ajani grips the arms of the seat, jerking forward, “really?”
Jon finishes with Izara left off, “He came in for a drink. Not often, but sometimes wolves ride through. They want a drink with their own kind before hitting the road again. We don’t usually let them in but…I liked him. Showed a lot of respect. He’d be a real asset in a pack.”
“We don’t know where we come from,” Ajani slumps back in the seat, trying to calm the emotions raging in her now. “And we’re adopted so…we’ll never know. We’re both loners, always have been. Even if in his heart he wants to be part of a pack, I always suspected the parental rejection thing just…you know…” she trails off and drops her eyes to the ground. “How did he seem? Was he okay? Not hurt or anything right?”
“He was fine, in good spirits once he realized his bold move of walking in wasn’t going to end in a fight.” Izara hands back the photo. “He was ready though.” She chuckles. “The guts you both have.” She smiles, impressed.
“That sounds like him. I guess it’s safe to assume he charmed everyone once he passed the entry test.” She gazes down at the photo and that big bright smile of his.
“He did. Left a fan club behind when he left.” Jon replies.
Ajani slides the picture back into her bag. Her head is still hanging low, she misses him so much it hurts.
“Sweetheart,” Izara gains her attention, Ajani makes eye contact. She also realizes Quinn says sweetheart just like her mom does. “He was fine. Healthy. Strong. Nothing about him, or his scent, smelled wrong or worrisome. He stayed for about 3 hours then left, said he was staying at a place in town and leaving early in the mornin’.”
“He didn’t say where.” Jon clarifies before she can ask.
Ajani nods, this is not a surprise. Andre is private. He wouldn’t disclose that information. She catches Will and his father speaking with their eyes, followed by a nod from Jon, then one from Izara.
Will scoots closer to the end of the couch. He extends his arm and rests his hand over Ajani’s. “We will help you find your brother. You have our word.”
Relief washes over her. Ajani relaxes her shoulders and turns her hand upright, Will happily accepts and holds her hand. Will starts to say something else,then stops. Another strong energy enters the room before the person does. It must be the younger brother.
Benny strolls into the room covered in sweat. He looks as if he just came from working out, his shirt sticking to his chest and the longer strands of his short dark blond hair sticking to his forehead. He’s guzzling water and drops himself down on the couch next to Quinn.
“You must be the old friend.” He grins, puts the bottle down, then wraps a sweaty arm around Quinn.
“Eww.” She wines, much to the amusement of her parents.
“Gotta stay fit.” He says with a confident smirk.
When Quinn moves away, he pulls her back. The younger sibling shoots him a look but doesn’t move away the second time. It seems of the three, Benny might be the brother Quinn is closest to.
Benny’s eyes return to Ajani, he notices Will’s hand in hers, “Well, that was fast.” He’s ridiculously attractive, just like everyone else.
“You missed everything,” Quinn glances up at him, “I said 5.”
“I have a fight coming up. I was training.” The younger Miller seems to melt his heart because Benny frowns and gives her a little squeeze. "I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” She smiles at him.
Izara rises from the couch and walks over to Ajani. “You have something of his, don’t you? We can smell it.”
“I do.” One hand is still in Wills, she reaches in the bag with her other and retrieves a buffalo bone bracelet. Andre left it at her place the last time they saw each other. She had one of her own but always liked his. Ajani suspected he left it there on purpose. “I have more of his stuff at the hotel.”
“This will do.” Izara takes it. She slowly rotates it, touching every bead. “This is fine…I don’t have magic in me as you do. But, since I was a girl, I could touch things and gain information.” Izara sits on the floor by Ajani and closes her eyes. She holds the bracelet in her palms, hands clasped together.
The room is so quiet you can hear a pin drop. Ajani can see Izara’s eyes move under her lids. After a few minutes, Izara opens her eyes. Ajani notices the tears welling up in the corners. The sight of oncoming tears makes Ajani’s heart stop.
“He’s alive. Your hunch is right.” Izara glances up at Ajani and hands it back, “but, he’s in trouble…it will not be easy to get out of.” Her eyes are full of sympathy now. She rests a hand on Ajani’s knee. Ajani swallows the lump in her throat.
Getting up with a tired sigh, Izara turns to Jon. The two communicate non verbally. Her eyes move to Will, then Benny. “We have a problem.”
Ajani stands, she lets go of Will’s hand and follows Izara. “What is it?”
Izara makes eye contact with Ajani and says two words, “The Mavericks.”
The second word barely leaves her lips before Bennys otherwise chill demeanor fades. Benny rises to his feet in anger, “what the fuck are they doing over here?!”
With a stressed exahale, Will looks to Jon.
“Fuck!” Benny walks away and paces, his hands over his head.
Will rises to his feet, his face tenses. He runs his hand over his mouth and beard. “Not this shit again.”
Unlike his sons, Jon is silently fuming, it’s almost more frightening. He slowly stands up. Ajani’s eyes move to Quinn who appears both annoyed and worried.
Izara looks at Jon before speaking up, “it’s a pack of rogue wolves, a bunch of bastard rejects. No land. No home. They roam and take from everyone else. Consider themselves to be fucking rebels…a disgrace to all Weres. They have a nasty habit of kidnapping lone wolves. Especially along the Delta. Then, the wolf either assimilates or…is robbed then killed.”
Will goes off to the side of the room, he’s talking quietly with his father now.
“I don’t know how they passed by here without us knowing.“ Quinn joins the conversation.
Will glances over at his brother, “They must have grabbed him up outside the border limits, while he was leaving town.”
Benny stops pacing. “Border or no border, they know the fucking rules this is our territory! The surrounding areas? Ours. They’re banished from all of it!”
The anger in his eyes is mixed with something else now, sadness. When he notices Ajani observing him, he sinks back down on the couch, both his legs are shaking, his hands in fists. “5 years ago they… took one of my good friends. My best friend.” Benny’s voice breaks.
Benny jumps back to his feet and charges out of the house, letting the door slam behind him. Concerned, Quinn goes after him.
“Honey,” Izara puts a hand on her shoulder, “we need to free your inner wolf. Andre pretended to join to stay alive. But…we don’t have much time. Andre needs you at full power for this. Not half.”
Panicking, Ajani hides her shaking hands in her pockets. “But- I don’t know how to…I don’t know - I never…”
“I have a friend. She’s like you, born with magic, half breed. The only one I’ve ever known besides you…it’s rare what you have. If anyone can figure it out, it’s her. Come, we’re going for a drive.” Izara grabs her hand and leads them to the archway.
She stops briefly to talk to Will and Jon. “You’ll be okay here?” She asks.
“Yeah, “ Jon responds before kissing her, “handle this. We’ll drop the news and get ready. You need to prepare her,” his eyes move to Ajani, “we’ll have a plan by the time you two get back.“
Ajani nods. "I’ll be right back, gonna check on Ben. Ajani, meet me outside, near the silver car.” Izara leaves the house.
“Hey,” Will takes a few steps closer to Ajani, “it will be alright. You trust me?”
“Yeah.” She replies quietly.
Will kisses the top of her head and draws Ajani into a hug. It’s the kind of hug she could stay in forever. Reluctantly, Ajani steps away and steals one more glance of him before leaving the house.
⚠️ overall warnings: Wolf stuff, violence, sexual themes & content, missing person
* this is a 4 week challenge, however, the fic is 6 chapters. I adjusted the posting timeline accordingly. Two of the weeks will have 2 chapters posted.
⚠️ overall warnings: Wolf stuff, violence, sexual themes & content, missing person
* this is a 4 week challenge, however, the fic is 6 chapters. I adjusted the posting timeline accordingly. Two of the weeks will have 2 chapters posted.
⚠️warnings: missing person, mention of kidnapping & killings
In contrast to the desolate setting surronding the bar, the view from Ajani’s hotel balcony is vibrant and bustling. The hotel is nestled in the middle of an Oak lined street. A beautiful Magnolia tree is in view, just across the way.
When her eyes drift to Quinn again, who is sitting across from her at the table, the younger woman is staring off, her mind working out the details of everything she just heard.
“Adrian’s a lone wolf, always has been. He’s set off on solo adventures for years, just takes his bike and rides. He came through here. I just need to piece the rest together.”
⚠️ overall warnings: Wolf stuff, violence, sexual themes & content, missing person
* this is a 4 week challenge, however, the fic is 6 chapters. I adjusted the posting timeline accordingly. Two of the weeks will have 2 chapters posted.
