Runt of the Litter (3 page)

“What if she doesn’t survive it?”

“You don’t think about that. You’ve got two years,
son. Make her strong. Make her want to fight for something that is greater than
simply turning into a wolf.”

Okay, he was going to sound totally stupid. “What?”

“Honey, make her see a side to you that no one is ever
going to see. Show her how much you love her.”

She closed his door behind him. Grabbing one of the
burgers, he took a large bite, relishing the taste of the meat.

Find her.

See her.

Take her.

There was not going to be any kind of taking from
Tori. She was two years his junior, and even though that didn’t sound like a
lot, there wasn’t a chance in hell he was going to put that kind of pressure on
her.

He finished his food and took his plate downstairs.
His father was in his study with the alpha. Jack had heard him enter five minutes
ago. Smiling at his mom, he headed out the door, toward Tori.

Rachel was throwing out the trash as he made his way
up the long path toward their house.

“Where did you go?” she asked.

“I needed to be somewhere.” He saw she’d been crying.
“I thought I’d come and visit the adventure girl.”

“She’s up in her room. I’ll give her a call.”

“Hello, Jack,” Carl said, moving toward the door.

“Hello, Mr. Hunter.” He needed to be respectful to the
father of his intended mate. The last thing he needed was to be chased off by
Carl when he wanted to get closer to his daughter. “Sorry for rushing off like
that.”

“No problem. It’s good to have her back here you
know.”

“I’m really sorry about what happened. I just wanted
her to have fun. I didn’t even think of—”

“Stop, Jack. Everyone told me that you were having
fun. I don’t blame you. Well, in part I do blame you, but it’s in the past.
Tori lived.” Carl stopped talking.

Tori lived to fight another day. How many more days will she be
fighting?

Jack froze as her scent grew heavy, and then she
appeared in the doorway. She was still small, but she’d filled out a little.
Compared to everyone else she was still tiny, fragile in comparison. She just
seemed that little bit stronger.

Was it all hope on his side?

“Rachel said you were here to see me,” she said.

She was utterly beautiful. Her long blonde hair was
tied at the back in a single ponytail, and her blue eyes smiled at him.

“Hello.” He stopped and had to clear his throat as he
sounded squeaky. “Hello, squirt.”

Be natural.

Keep it cool.

“Squirt?
Seriously, after all this time.
I should kick
your ass. You almost killed me, and I’ve not seen you.”

Heat filled his cheeks. For the first time he was
embarrassed around a girl.

“Tori!”
Carl said.

“What? I’m joking around. I didn’t die, and if I did I
wouldn’t be standing here.
Unless you’re all seeing a ghost.”
She placed a hand to her head. “I’m dead. What has happened to the world?”

He couldn’t help but laugh. “I see your sense of humor
hasn’t left.”

“Please. My sense of humor is my strongest point. If
you put me in a ring with the whole of the pack and it was about humor you’d
all be begging me to be
alpha.
I rock that world.”

Jack just chuckled. It was great to finally see her
but to also listen to her voice.

“I’m going to leave you two alone. Don’t take her too
far.”

“Dad, I bet Jack has plenty of girls to do the hanky-panky
with. He wouldn’t try to ravish me.” Tori rolled her eyes, stepping down the
steps toward him.

Carl muttered something under his breath before leaving
them alone.

“Everyone is so serious now.” She shrugged, moving
toward him. “Come on, we’ll go into the garden. He won’t complain so long as he
can keep an eye on me.”

“They worry about you.”

“I know, but they don’t always worry about everyone.
I’m special.” She snorted. The garden was huge, and he followed her down toward
the shaded area in the back.

Be normal around her.

She smelled amazing.

“I wanted to apologize.”

“What for?”

“I shouldn’t have let go of your hand, and you almost
died on me.” The very thought that he had been the one to almost kill his mate,
scared him. He wouldn’t ever put her at risk.

“Please. Will everyone stop going on about that? I’m
tired of hearing about how I almost died and lost everything. I’m perfectly
okay right now. Shouldn’t that matter?”

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders pulling her
against him.

“It’s important to me. You could have died.”

“And money grows on trees. Believe it or not, almost
dying was a good thing.”

“How?”

“I got to go and visit my Uncle Paul.”

“He’s not a wolf.”

“I know, but he’s been amazing to me.” He watched as
bit her lip, glancing down at the ground. “He’s taught me to accept myself.”
She shrugged. “I know it’s crazy and I’ll never be a queen at fighting or
anything, but I’m stronger now.”

She looked stronger and happier within herself.

“I’m happy for you.”

“Aw, Jack, did you miss me?” She laughed, pulling out
of his arms. “Man, I’ve missed being home. Everything here smells and feels
amazing. This is home to me.”

He related, boy did he relate. The thought of not
being here scared him. This was where he belonged.

“I hear Marshall mated.”

“Yes.” He sat down on the bench, and she came to sit
next to him.

“Tell me about her and him.”

“Well, believe it not, she was one of the girls we used
to, erm, bully.”

She gasped.

“No, you didn’t bully her?
Really?
Jack, I have to say I’m surprised at you.”

Shame filled him. He didn’t like his mate being
disappointed in him.

She doesn’t know.

“Well, he had to get her to fall in love with him.
After all the crap they’ve been through together, she did, but it was a long
way to get to that point.”

“I think I saw her. Brown hair, doesn’t know pack
rules?”

“If she was standing a little behind Marshall while he
was talking to the alpha, then yes, that’s Scarlett.”

“Is she nice?”

“Very. I, myself, have been embarrassed by the hell I
put her through.” The urge to reach out and touch Tori was strong. He didn’t,
keeping his hands to himself.

“And you’ve not mated?”

“No.”

“How was the transition?”

“Fucking hard.”

She chuckled. “Holly made it through her transition,
too. I’m happy for them.”

He saw her frown before looking away from him. “It
shouldn’t be long until you transition.”

“Yeah, it shouldn’t.”

Fuck, what do I say now? I don’t want her to transition. I don’t want
her to fucking change.

“Did you meet your mate while you were away?”

You’re her mate, asshole.

“No. You know we don’t know for sure who our mates are
until we turn.” Her hands were locked together, and he scented her nervousness
and fear. The transition scared her.

Placing his hand over hers, he gripped her hand,
firmly. “I’m going to be here for you, Tori.”

“Is this because you still feel guilty? You don’t have
to.”

“No! I need to be here for you, and I’ll help you,
Tori.”

“My transition isn’t for a couple of years. I think
I’m going back to live with my uncle after the summer. My parents are nervous
about me being here.”

No, she can’t go. She has to stay here where we can protect and care for
her.

“Have you thought about staying here? Going to the
school?”

“No. I’ll do what my parents think is best. Tell me
about yourself. What are you doing now? You’ve graduated, so there has to be
college.”

“I’ve got a job at the hardware store after college.
My dad thinks it’ll be good for me to mingle with the humans, get a natural
scent for them all.”

“The hardware
store?”

“Yeah, in town,
next to the diner.”
He hadn’t released her
hand. Staring at his hand over hers, Jack felt his wolf calm. Since discovering
she was his mate a couple of hours ago he’d been restless.

“I’ll have to come and visit. Tell me, have many gone
to the lake since it happened?”

“We visit the lake, but the alpha made sure it was out
of bounds to everyone who’s not part of the pack.”

“Was that because of me? I put that boundary up?”

“Yes and no.
You’re,
erm …”

“The runt?”

“Don’t call yourself that, Tori.”

“Why? It’s what I am.”

“I don’t like it. I don’t want to hear that word from
your lips again.” He cupped her cheek, running his thumb over the bottom of her
lip. “You’re worth more than that.”

She gasped, pulling out of his touch. “You’re right.
My, erm, non-special talents are similar to humans who don’t carry the wolf
gene. If I could be easily hurt then others could.”

“Our alpha was protecting everyone.”

“I understand.” She stared down at their hands. “You
can let go now.”

Reluctantly, he pulled his hand away. Jack didn’t want
to leave or make an excuse to go.

“Would you like to go out to a movie with me?”

“Are you asking me on a date?”

“No.” He spoke quickly, and she laughed.

“I was just kidding. Why is everyone so serious all
the time?” She tilted her head. “I’d love to go and watch a movie. You’ll have
to ask my dad, but I doubt he’ll have any objections. You’re the beta or you
will be.”

“I’ll see your father before I go.”

“When do you want to see a movie?”

“Tonight?”

“Not tonight, Jack. It’s my first night back. I want
to spend it with my family.” She smiled at him. “It has been great seeing you.”

“And you.”

He didn’t want their time to end, but he didn’t see
any other choice. “I’ll, erm, I’ll leave you alone.”

She linked her arm through his, and together they made
their way toward the front of the house. “It has been great seeing you.”

“And you.”

Jack hated leaving her, but he didn’t see any other
choice. His mate didn’t have a clue what he was going through. Not that he
blamed her. She didn’t have the senses to understand what was going on.

Chapter Three

Tori held her cell phone up against her ear listening
to her uncle. She really did miss him.

“How was your reunion?” Uncle Paul asked.

“It was fine.
Stilted but fine.
They’re all worried about me, and it’s not helping matters.” She hiked her
backpack up as she headed into the forest.

“They’re worried about you.”

“I know. I heard them talking.”

“While you were
leaving the room?”

“Yes. They were talking about my transition. It seems
to be all they talk about.” She’d lain in bed last night listening to
everything in the house. It had been surreal to be staring at her ceiling and
hearing everything. Rachel had been listening to music while making notes in
her book for her studies. Tom had been working out in his room. Holly was
crushing over a guy at school. All of her siblings had been doing odd tasks but
not keeping their noise down. She’d loved every second of it. In the past she
hadn’t heard a thing. When she’d been lying in bed the house had seemed dead
inside.

Last night she’d also listened to her parents talk.
Neither of them knew what to do when it came to her. It was sad, heartbreaking
to her. She was doing everything she could to make herself stronger.

“That’s excellent. Your senses are awakening.”

“Their sense of humor has gone though. I miss you,
Uncle Paul.”

“I miss you, too, honey. We’re going to see your
training. Remember to believe in yourself and to hold onto that hope.”

“I will. I mean, I am. How’s the research going?”

“Difficult. Either no one’s talking or you’re one of a
kind.”

“Hey, I told you I was awesome.” She came to a stop at
the site where her life had changed forever. She pulled her backpack off. “I’m
here.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Oddly
sentimental.
This is what brought me to you, and now I’m strong.”

“Good. Get dressed into your swimming gear.”

“It’s a costume. I’m still a girl.” She placed her
phone on the nearest bolder while also changing into her swim wear. It was
early morning, and none of her family had woken up yet. “So facing this fear is
supposed to set me free?”

“Don’t be sarcastic. You’re going to overcome what
dragged you down.” She listened to her uncle move. “I wish I was there to help
you, but this has to be something you do on your own.”

“What if I get stuck again?”

“We’ve talked about this. You panicked. Don’t panic.
Remember you told me that you were sure you felt your wolf start to awaken when
you were panicking.”

“Yes.”

“Don’t be frightened. Think, assess, and embrace.
Don’t fear what comes naturally to you. It’s your life, your power, and you’ve
got to harness it yourself.”

What she loved most about Uncle Paul was his complete confidence
in her ability.

“I’m changed.”

“Step to the boulder where you were. Embrace who you
are, Tori.”

She moved to the boulder, imagining Jack by her side.
She even reached out as if to take his hand.

“Are you there?”

“I’m here.”

“What are you thinking?”

“I’m nervous. The last time I was here everything went
wrong.”

“Think of what went right. You’re stronger now. You’re
senses are awakening, Tori. Don’t believe you’re weak. Know you’re strong. I’ve
never heard of a wolf
who
sensed her other self the
way you describe that day. Embrace yourself.”

“Okay.” Staring down at the water below, Tori took
several deep breaths. Her uncle went silent on the phone. “You can do this.
It’s all in your head.”

Closing her eyes, she zoned everything out that helped
her fear. She focused on the scent of the forest, the togetherness of the pack.
Drawing her hands together, she held them in front of her as if she was making
some kind of prayer. In and out she took deep breaths, and that was when she
felt her wolf once again.
Her wolf, a blonde beautiful beast
that was locked in the cage of her mind, and sleeping.
Tori couldn’t
look away.

Jump.

Opening her eyes, she couldn’t hear anything other
than the flowing of water. Determined, fighting, she launched herself off the
boulder, plunging into the water below. The cool water hit her skin. Instead of
gasping or panicking, she basked in the feel of the chill. The shocking
temperature let her know that she was alive. She’d fought to live another day.

Focus.

She wriggled a little, and that was where she saw the
danger.

Don’t panic. Stay focused. Harness your skill. Embrace.

Glancing down, she saw her foot tangled in the weeds.
In her mind, she flashed back to that day. She’d panicked, trying to tear the
weeds from her. Releasing a little breath, she leaned down.

The wolf inside
her pounced at the cage within her mind.
Tori
froze in place. It was the first time her wolf had ever tried to escape.

Fight.

Live.

Show them who we are.

Removing the weeds she broke for the surface taking
several gasps of air.

“Tori?
Tori!”
Uncle Paul’s voice broke through her
concentration. Breaking the water to the side of the lake, she jumped out.

“I did it, Uncle Paul. I did it.”

“What the fuck did you just do?”

She gasped, turning around to find Jack leaning
against a tree. He wasn’t wearing a shirt.

The wolf inside her released a little growl that had
the whole of Tori’s body vibrating.

What was that about?

“I’ll talk to you in a moment, Uncle Paul.” She
slammed the phone closed, staring at Jack as he stepped closer. In his fisted
hand, he held a shirt. He was in a pair of boxer briefs. “Shouldn’t you get
dressed?” She didn’t feel comfortable with him being naked and close to her. It
sent her nerves on end.

“I’m so pissed off at you right now.”

“How long was I under?” she asked, checking the time on
her phone. Shit, she really should have checked her time.

“You were only under a few seconds. Are you completely
insane?”

“A few seconds?
Are you sure?”

“You splashed into the water, and I was about to
follow you in. As you can see I only got to my shirt and jeans.”

She’d been under seconds, and yet to her, she’d been
under minutes. When she got rid of Jack she’d call her uncle back and let him
know. It was good news, great news, and her wolf was coming alive.

“You really didn’t need to.” She made to turn away,
but Jack held onto her arm.

“Who were you talking to?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

“Again, none of
your business.”
She pulled out of his hold, hating how her skin
seemed to heat under his touch. The last thing she wanted was to be attracted
to Jack. He was the beta and would probably laugh at any attraction from the
pack runt.

“You better tell me or I’m going to be having a
serious conversation with your father.”

She picked up her shirt and glared at him. “It’s none of
your business. Stay out of it. I’ve not seen you in three years, and on my
second day back you’re threatening me?”

“You almost died the last time you jumped off that
boulder. I almost had a fucking heart attack, and I’m nearly nineteen years
old.”

“Then shouldn’t you be chasing after girls your own
age? Why are you following me?”

“I saw you escaping out of your house with a backpack.
I happened to be looking out of my bedroom window when I saw you moving in the
forest.”

She frowned. “You do realize you sound like a creepy
stalker.”

“What would you have done if I hadn’t been here?” he
asked.

“This is not your problem, Jack. It’s mine.”

“I’m making it my problem.”

Growling in frustration, she yanked on her shirt,
glaring at him. “You’re completely insane. Do you know that?”

“You could have got tangled in the weeds again, Tori.
You could have died, and no one would have been here.” He started to shout at
her.

Instead of cowering down, she was only getting angry. She
and her uncle had done the best that they could.

“I didn’t die and you were here, so it wasn’t like I
was alone, was it?”

She jerked her jeans up, glaring at him.

“Do you have a death wish? It’s bad enough that you’ve
got to get through you transit—”

“That’s exactly why I’m doing what I’m doing. I’m
going to go through the transition, and everyone who knows me has already
invited themselves to my fucking funeral. I’m fighting here, Jack. That’s what
I’m doing. I’m getting strong so that
come
the
transition I’ve got a fighting chance to make it.”

****

Jack stared at his mate. She wasn’t shrinking away but
fighting her corner. He’d never seen such a beautiful sight.

“You’re fighting?” he asked, confused.

“You all don’t think I know what could happen in two
years? I’m the runt of the litter. I know you hate hearing that, but it’s true.
I’m the runt, and I’ve got less of a chance for everything. God, I’ve heard of
strong wolves not getting through the transition. What chance does a fucking
runt have?”

He liked listening to her curse. Jack got a strange
thrill out of her dirty mouth.

“What’s going on? I think you need to tell me
everything. I doubt your parents would be thrilled about what’s going on.” Jack
looked at her before lifting his head to the sky. The pack was moving around.
They could be heard and disturbed. “Come on. I’ll buy you breakfast in town.”
He held his hand out hoping she’d take it.

“You’re not going to run to my parents?”

“I’m going to run to your parents if I think you need
me to. I want to hear what you’ve got to say. Come on, I’ll even make an excuse
to your parents.”

She took his hand and he led the way out of the forest
toward his car. Opening her door, he waited for her to slide inside.

“When did you become a gentleman?”

“You’ll be surprised.” Closing her door, he rounded to
his side, climbing in.

“Where are we going for pancakes?”

“I think the town over from us. I don’t want to risk
any of the pack overhearing what we’re talking about.” Jack had dressed quickly
while she’d been talking to him.

Neither of them spoke on the ride toward the diner. He
keyed in her parents’ number and phoned them to let them know Tori was with him
but that was it.

She stared out of the window. “I didn’t bring any
money with me.”

“This is my treat.” He parked outside of the diner. Climbing
out, he held her out of the car before he locked it up.

“You’re scaring me with helping me in and out.” She
chuckled.

He took her hand, leading her into the diner. Jack
found a secluded table and the scent in the air let him know no wolves were
close.

“We’re safe.”

“I know. I can’t smell any packs either.” She slapped
a hand against her mouth.

“You better be ready to talk to me.” He took the seat
opposite her, lifting up the menu. “Order whatever you want.”

“Okay.” She took a menu for herself. Jack couldn’t look
away from her. He quickly scanned the menu before the waitress came to take
their order. Waiting for Tori to order first, he was actually surprised by how
much she did order, two lots of pancakes with sausage and eggs on the side.

He ordered three times what she did. He was starving
and wasn’t about to go without. The waitress didn’t say anything as she left
the table.

“I hope you can afford all that.”

“I’ve got it covered.”

“When we go back home I’ll get you some money.”

“Don’t. It’s not necessary.” Was this what Marshall
went through with Scarlett? His mate was fighting him at every turn, but then
she didn’t know they were mates to begin with. This was going to be hard. His
father wanted him to sit with her parents to discuss the fact he was her mate.
“So, tell me what’s going on?”

“Can’t we eat first?”

“No. You’re going to spill it now.”

She blew out a breath. “When did you become such a
stick in the mud?”

“When you began
to piss me off.”

Jack laughed as she blew him a raspberry. “You’re
being unfair.”

“Am I? The last time you were in that water, Tori, you
almost died. Do I have to remind you of that? You were alone.”