Chapter 19: Mine

I paused in front of the clothes and scowled. I could already tell the material would be form fitting. I dropped the towel and pulled the shirt over my head. I moved my torso right and then left making sure I could move unrestricted. I grabbed the shorts and pulled them up my legs. They stretched easily and it made me feel a lot better knowing I could move however I wanted.

I walked to the closet and looked down at the shoes. I was not going to put those contraptions on my feet. They can get me in clothes but I was not putting on the shoes. I giggled to myself as I thought about going to dinner last night bare footed. I had not even thought about putting any on until now. None of the men said a word and I silently thanked them. These human ways will soon be complete in my mind.

I opened the door ready for the day. I walked down the stair case and paused before the kitchen. A new scent stopped me in my tracks. It was a women's smell. Anger shot threw me and my wolf came right to the surface. I felt my canines elongate and my hair stand on end. Mine, they are mine, my wolf screamed inside my head. I took a deep breath trying to size up my opponent before entering. Michael came up behind me, "It's just Beth, she helps around the house and takes care of the pack. Her family has served our kind for many generations. She is not a threat to you.". I spun on Michael and stared him down. He stared back unmoving. "Take a deep breath. She is human and she is older. She does not carry the scent from any of us." He never broke eye contact as he spoke. I took a deep breath and then let it out. He was right, their scent did not mingle with hers. I broke eye contact and backed up a step, showing submission. I needed to get myself together. These shifters were not mine and my wolf needed to stop thinking otherwise.

I leaned back against the nearest wall and worked on composing myself. Michael came closer and leaned his back against the wall next to me. "How are you doing?", he asked. I looked over at him and told him the truth, "This is different. I don't know how to act. I'm so unsure of what I'm feeling any more. I feel out of control.". I closed my eyes and leaned my head back. Michael's alpha bond reached out and I felt a wave of ease take over. All the anger and self doubt faded away.

I opened my eyes and looked down to see Michael's fingers intertwined with mine. I had not even noticed his touch until now. His presence and physical connection grounded my very soul. He was undoubtedly a powerful and rightfully placed alpha. I felt such appreciation for him in this very moment.

Michael brought my hand to his lips and kissed it before slowly releasing his hold. He pushed off the wall and stood before me. "If you ever need to talk then I am here for you. We cannot overcome everything alone. Go eat some breakfast and enjoy the show, Little Wolf." I watched him walk to the stairs. As if he felt my eyes drilling holes into his back he turned and gave me one last look. "Go eat.", he said. His dominance pushed at me and I headed into the kitchen ready to shove some food in my mouth.