Warnings: Insecurities, self hate, struggling with the beast within, slightly dark and feral Matt.
Notes: This is a part of “The Moon in May” writing challenge. The first week I was inspired by the word “scent”. It’s my first werewolf au, so I hope you guys like it.
A huge thank you to @mindidjarin for beta reading and for listening to my ramblings about this. Also thank you to @a-reader-and-a-writer for indulging in my ramblings and helping out ❤️
Chaos. Overwhelming. Everything too much, too noisy. His senses were already heightened, but now… after the bite… he hears everything. Feels everything. Smells everything.
The world around him filled with sounds and smells, so vivid now that he almost feels like he can see again. He can picture everything around him, clear as day. It’s a strange feeling after years in the darkness. Well, it had never been completely dark, but it was the best way to describe this new sensation. All his senses alert, nothing getting past him.
He can feel the beast within begging to come out. Begging to be let loose. It’s a cold day in Hell’s Kitchen, but his skin is damp with sweat. He is so hot, skin burning. A small voice in his head, the beast, begs for him to tear off his skin and let it loose.
⚠️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.
2022 Writing Challenge Prompt List & Prompt Photos
Inspiration struck and here we are with a little writing challenge for May. My apologies for not having this more fleshed out but tomorrow is May and perhaps next year will be more fruitful. But for now, here is The Moon In May writing challenge!
The goal is one piece of writing (reader insert, self insert, oc, poetry, whatever you want) a week using the accompanying prompts set in an A/B/O AU orWerewolf AU of your choice! Each week is a phase of the moon (stated in the most general terms) with some themed words that might inspire. Below the cut are a few photo prompts that can be used or not used as you see fit.
To participate simply tag #TheMoonInMayand tag me! I’ll repost once a week. All I ask is that you tag your content accordingly.
2022 Writing Challenge Prompt List & Prompt Photos
Inspiration struck and here we are with a little writing challenge for May. My apologies for not having this more fleshed out but tomorrow is May and perhaps next year will be more fruitful. But for now, here is The Moon In May writing challenge!
The goal is one piece of writing (reader insert, self insert, oc, poetry, whatever you want) a week using the accompanying prompts set in an A/B/O AU orWerewolf AU of your choice! Each week is a phase of the moon (stated in the most general terms) with some themed words that might inspire. Below the cut are a few photo prompts that can be used or not used as you see fit.
To participate simply tag #TheMoonInMayand tag me! I’ll repost once a week. All I ask is that you tag your content accordingly.
Summary: When an old acquaintance reemerges in your life with a offer too good to refuse, you find yourself trekking through the woods with a pack of werewolves, one of which has an undeniable pull. Skilled and trained in pack handling, you somehow find yourself in over your head.
Warnings: Werewolf AU, A/B/O Dynamics, Canonical violence, Canonical death, Pining, Angst, Miscommunication, Explicit Smut, Bonding, Slight soulmates/Fated/True Mates, Mentions of guns, Mentions of violence, Peril, Mentions of wounds, Vague descriptions of death, Monster fucking, Monster attack
Wordcount: 12k
Notes: My contribution to The Moon of May writing challenge! I’ve wanted to play around with a few werewolf characters and I love that a/b/o au is basically an offshoot of that, so this seems perfect to have a little bit of angst and intensity with our wonderful Frankie ‘Catfish’ Morales!
⚠️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.
⚠️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.
An exclusive mini fic for @clydesducktape Moon In May (week 3) posted on week 4 (life you know)
Prompts used this week: heat, wolfsbane, curse
⚠️ warnings: missing person, impending danger, a traumtic childhood alluded to but not expanded upon, intense overwhelming sexual feelings, masterbation but not heavily detailed or described.
Time passes with ease on the long drive to Louisiana. Along the way, Izara shares what she knows about Priestess-Wolf hybrids, also known as I'ah - Sa’s in Coptic. According to Lore, they were one of the most respected and powerful members of their tribe, with roots in Ancient Nubia. Because they were rare, most packs didn’t have one.
An exclusive fic for @clydesducktape Moon In May (week 3) posted on week 4 (life you know)
Prompts used this week: heat, wolfsbane, curse
⚠️ warnings: missing person, impending danger, a traumtic childhood alluded to but not expanded upon, intense overwhelming sexual feelings, masterbation but not heavily detailed or described. It’s super brief, like blink and you miss it.
Time passes with ease on the long drive to Louisiana. Along the way, Izara shares what she knows about Priestess-Wolf hybrids, also known as I'ah - Sa’s in Coptic.
According to Lore, they were one of the most respected and powerful members of their tribe, with roots in Ancient Nubia. Because they were rare, most packs didn’t have one.
In history, as with all things, there were some examples of their power gone bad. However, for the most part, the spirit and soul of the Priestess-Wolf was good, and they were able to fight darker forces and inclinations.
The Priestess-Wolf gene is passed down from the maternal line. It’s believed, to keep some balance, nature only made them half-breeds. This detail is debatable, as no proof exists to prove this right or wrong. I'ah - Sa’s were private by nature and didn’t advertise their gifts.
I'ah - Sa’s gain access to the magic at age 13. An elder or guide is needed as the magic can be too powerful or hard to control for the child. The first transformation into wolf form happens during the year they hit puberty, so the age varies.
Both processes happen organically, unless there’s interference by magical means, or a curse placed on the line. Unlike common Weres, they can turn at will without repercussions. For normal werewolves, a non-full moon turn can come with exhaustion, slower healing time, or aches and pains that linger for days.
Any news and stories of the Priestess-Wolf died down over the 18th centaury, they were believed extinct after this. Due to territory battles and others wanting such strength, it’s believed I'ah - Sa’s were extinguished by neighboring packs. If any existed after, they did so in secret.
Izara believed them to be extinct herself until she visited some distant family in Louisiana 30 years back. During that trip, she met her now dear friend Zola Eshe; a historian, genealogist, high priestess and I'ah - Sa. Zola was the only one Izara (and to a greater extent the Millers and the Pack) knew, until Ajani walked into that bar.
…
It was night now and time to eat some dinner. Izara’s taken this trip a number of times, she enjoyed driving and didn’t mind the travel. Over all her trips, she accumulated a list of favorite rest stops, places to eat, and to sleep if they wanted to rest for the night. It’s one of these places they stop at for dinner. It’s a perfect Spring night and the bench they choose is near a beautiful Cypress tree.
Izara takes a bite of food, “I think this is going to be life changing for you.”
Ajani smiles. She was hungry, and excited, but there was something else. Though Will was over 4 hours away now she couldn’t shake his scent. She always had a very sensitive nose but after spending a couple of days around the Millers, everything felt heightened, stronger.
Sometimes it felt like Will was right there. Hovering over her, smelling her, touching her. And when she let her mind linger a little too long, she’d picture Bennys eyes on her and the deepness of his voice. Ajani’s desire for Will is overwhelming, being drawn to Benny too was the last thing she needed.
Trying her best to calm what was happening inside of her, Ajani shifts her attention to the small pouch around her neck, hidden by her shirt.
Before they hit the road, the two women stopped at Ajani’s hotel and grabbed a few things. Most importantly she wanted this pouch. This special mix was made to calm her pheromones and hide her scent. Not just for herself, but from what she understood, if she was going into heat, other Weres would pick up on this, even if she was just a suppressed Halfbreed.
If she could, Ajani wanted to avoid attracting extra attention. The bit of wolfsbane inside was irritating her, and she knew Izara didn’t love it, but it was a necessary ingredient.
Izara breaks the silence with a question, “Have you considered the possibility your parents didn’t give you and Andre up by choice?”
The question pulls Ajani right out of her own head.
“Not really. It was a closed adoption, so, we don’t know anything. Just that they gave up when Andre was 2, I was 1,” Ajani sets the fork down and frowns, “I just never understood what could make parents give up two little kids?”
“I don’t know honey, but there could be a valid reason.”
“We were in so many homes until the last one. I know we weren’t well behaved after a while but…” she shakes her head, “…we were hurt, angry kids you know? The Bennets are okay people, they tried but it wasn’t a good fit. They didn’t understand us…and when Andre first turned, I was with him. It was horrible. We had to hide it from them because we didn’t want to go back in the system.” Ajani shrugs and slouches back against the seat. She didn’t like talking about any of this. Like Andre, Ajani shoved all this deep down inside.
Izara, ever observant, picks up on this and doesn’t push any further. “We don’t have to talk about that now. But you should know, Zola is the real deal. Unlocking your true form may take going deep into you past. You’ll have to face this.”
“I have that feeling.” Ajani sits back up. “I know I have to do it.”
“Good, come on, let’s get out of here. Would you like to hit the road, keep going? Or rest for the night?” Izara asked. She puts money down for the bill. “There’s a place I like, about an hour out. I’m friends with the owner. We’d have to leave early in the morning.“ She wrinkles her nose. "I can get a break from that wolfbane too.”
Ajani chuckles, “sorry. yeah, lets rest.”
Izara takes her phone out and searches her contacts. “Honestly, I’d prefer being annoyed over playing bodyguard to horny Weres. But you need to take care of this,” she points to Ajani, “It’s going to be a real problem as we look for your brother.”
Feeling embarrassed, Ajani drops her gaze to the ground and walks away from the table, “I’ll wait for you by the car.”
Ajani is only waiting about two minutes when Izara returns, she stands on the passenger side and offers Ajani the keys. “I don’t let anyone except a select few drive my baby, consider this my blessing.”
Ajani takes them, then unlocks the car, “your blessing?”
Izara laughs and moves to the trunk; she searches for something then tosses a button up shirt at Izara. “This is what you’ve been smelling. And yes, it’s his.” She climbs into the passenger seat, wearing an amused grin.
Ajani rubs the cotton of the shirt between her fingertips and brings it to her nose. Her reaction is instant, it feels like Will is holding her, his breath against her skin.
She closes her eyes and whispers to herself, “Get it together. You’re driving.”
Ajani places the shirt in the backseat then enters the car. Closing the door behind her, she straps in and starts the car.
Izara turns to Ajani. “He’s been mate-less for a long time…not for lack of options he just never wanted to settle. We weren’t sure at this point if he should keep waiting or pick someone. Whenever we presented Will with an option, he rejects it.”
She continues, “he’s always reminding us how Jon and I met. Jon already had kids, a mate, but she wasn’t his forever mate. We found each other after. We thought Will wouldn’t find his person, then you walked into the bar,“ Izara’s eyes are warm, “A wolf always knows their mate. Suppressed wolf or not, you know it too.” Izara breaks eye contact and turns the AC on.
Ajani almost forgot how hot her skin is, until the cool air provides instant relief. She observes Izara for a moment, then brings her eyes to the road. The silence in the car soon fills with music from Izara’s Bluetooth.
…
The quaint hotel is one of the cutest places Ajani has ever seen. It’s tucked away in a quiet part of town and looks like something from a movie. The owner had two rooms open, giving them one each. After a nightcap in the small but charming bar area, they said goodnight and headed to their rooms.
Ajani’s thankful to have her own room. She needs a cold shower and to take the edge off. Part of her feels ashamed bringing the shirt with her, but there was no way she was leaving in the car, not when it smelled of him.
The shower doesn’t help matters any, at first the cold water feels good against her skin. It’s a fleeting relief, the heat returns with more intensity. Dragging herself to the bed, she lays down flat. Rolling onto her side, she grabs Wills shirt and brings it to her nose.
Closing her eyes, Ajani visualizes Will. The scene from the living room replays in her mind. This time there is no one else, just her and Will. As she inhales his scent deeply, her body awakens further. Before she realizes it, she slides her hand inside of the loosely closed robe.
Keeping the shirt close, and with the aid of her vivid imagination, a euphoric wave washes ever her. Her body goes still. For the first time in two days, her body temperature finally decreases. Rolling to her side, she snuggles the shirt. A second later, her phone buzzes on the nearby table.
Ajani grabs the phone and smiles at the message.
Will: It’s Will. I got your number from Quinn. I hope that’s okay.
Ajani: More than okay. This is a nice surprise.
Will: Is it too late to call?
Ajani: No, not at all. Please do.
Almost at the same time she presses send, Will calls.
“Hi.” She whispers into the phone speaker with a smile.
His voice is low and breathy, “I can’t stop thinking about you. I wish you were lying next to me.”
Ajani pulls the shirt close again, while holding the phone with her other hand. “I wish I was too.”
…
The Next day, evening time
Zola is everything Ajani imagined and more. As the first full day with her winds down, Ajani feels her mind expanded, her spirit lifted, her heart lighter. Izara sticks around, while giving them plenty of space. Being here feels like an unrealized dream of Ajani’s younger self.
As Izara predicted, it takes Zola no time to figure out the source of Ajani’s block. Watching the majestic women in ritual felt like a privilege.
With the guidance of her ancestors, Zola was able to connect to Ajani’s ancestral line. A curse was the sole cause her block. Her people were at war with another group, a group who wanted their power and kidnapped her mother to have it for themselves.
Protecting his family, Ajani’s father killed the Alpha and slaughtered half the pack to get his wife back. Once it was done, her mother and father went into hiding. During that time, they had Andre, and Ajani. Their happiness was shattered when enemy wolves found them. They were captured. Instilling the help of a witch, the enemy pack initiated the curse.
POV switch - Will - That night
Post pack meeting, Will went for a run. Benny joined him.
After looping around their usual route three times, the brothers take a break and have some water. Will takes a few sips, then pours the rest over his head.
He’s squeezing the bottle so tight it bends under his weight. The run barely provides any relief. He growls under his breath and paces in place. Will can feel his brother watching him.
“I’m fine.” He barked.
Benny crosses his arm, cementing in place, ” no you’re not bro. You’ve been in a shitty mood since yesterday and you went a little hard back there.“
Will clenches his jaw as he looks at his brother, "You surprised? We’re dealing with assholes again. You should be pissed too!”
Benny drops his arms and gets in Wills face. "You know how I feel about that.” He says through clenched teeth, “I’m talking about her. You’re in a fucking rut man!”
Will growls and shoves the bottle back in his backpack. Too irritated to speak, he takes off running again. Benny curses and follows him.
When Benny catches up, he run alongside him, “Take the edge off man, you have plenty of - “
Will raises his voice, stopping in place, “ I don’t want them!”
Benny takes a step back, “fine don’t bite my fucking head off man.”
Will breaks eye contact and curls over, resting his hands on his knees. He tries to breath out the frustration and anger.
This wasn’t new, he’s had plenty of ruts in his 38 years, especially being unpartnered. It was easy before; he’d pick an Omega and enjoy himself.
Picking an Omega was a very quick solution to his problem, but Will was trying to resist. The only woman he wanted was 9 hours away now. He’s seen examples of how bad a rut can get, how dangerous. He hopes he can handle the wait.
Getting himself together, Will takes a deep breath then stands tall. He places a hand on Benny’s shoulder. “I’m sorry man.”
“It’s cool,” Benny grins then playfully shoves his brother, “besides, if you pick someone in there, maybe I can have Ajani for myself.”
Will’s expression instantly turns serious, his eyes dark, a growl rumbling in his chest. Benny laughs. “Whoa, I’m messing with you man! You’ve made it very clear she’s yours.”
Benny starts jogging backwards, “come on, let’s go back. I gotta make sure you don’t go insane before your girl gets back.”
Will shakes his head, chuckles, then follows his brother back to the bar.
