Page 107 of In the Mouth of the Wolf

That’s right, my human side needed me to do something. Her memories came to me in flashes. It was hard to catch. I needed to stop my pack… Stop them from what?

“Let them know you’re okay,” the human reminded me. “They’re here because they think you’re in trouble.”

I remembered now. My human was upset about something. Ugh, when wasn’t she? Humans made everything so complicated.

Yipping in excitement, I bound towards them.

Pack! I’m here! No danger!

They came running up to me, sniffing and nuzzling. My gray alpha came first, followed by my two new pack mates, a silver alpha and a red alpha. I had never seen them before, but I recognized their scents immediately. My tail would not stop wagging. I was so happy to meet them.

No danger?my red alpha confirmed.

I lowered myself on my front paws and yipped again.No! Let’s play!

The other human had caught up by now. “You fuckers, this isn’t fair. Now I gotta go back to work and get my door fixed while you all get to do this. You better pay my Venmo request this time. And don’t tear my kitchen up again. Which one of you mutts is Archer?”

We looked at each other. What was he talking about?

The silver alpha tilted his head.Archer? Maybe me?

The human pointed at him. “I’m expecting you to keep everyone in line. And let me know when you shift back if your ribs are better.”

My silver alpha huffed.Enough human talk.

We turned around and followed him through the woods, leaving the human behind. I turned around and gave him one last look as I whined.

“Don’t worry, girl. I’ll join you soon. Go on, have fun. See you at home.”

53

MIKE

Jen and Grace had braided their hair and woven it into crowns on top of their heads. They stood on either side of me in front of the doors to the Council room, nervously shifting on their bare feet.

“You will do whatever they say without question,” I warned them. “It is an honor to serve a vampyr elder in any capacity. Do not look at me for confirmation, do not hesitate, and do not talk back. Are we clear?”

They both nodded, their apprehension coming off them in waves. I had told them they needed to come as a formality so their fear wouldn’t cause them to do something stupid and ruin this for me.

My fingers ran down Jen’s back, enjoying the way her skin pebbled from the sensation. I was going to miss her.

“Enter”

They slipped off their robes and handed them to the guards, revealing their nude bodies as we stepped inside. Along the perimeter of the wall stood thirty massive vampyrs, dressed head to toe in black tactical gear, silver weapons glinting in the candlelight. I could hardly contain my excitement.

This was real. This was happening. My Lunessa would be back in my arms by the weekend, and my mouth salivated at the thought of her sweet taste on my tongue once more. Now that she knew what I was, I wouldn’t have to hide my nips and sips. I could drink from her fully.

I adjusted the growing erection in my pants.

The High Elder stood, his arms spread wide. “As originally promised, and further negotiated with Elder Sable, we offer you a unit of thirty vampyr warriors so you may retrieve your stolen Lunessa. In return, you will cede her bed to us for one night and give to us your remaining servaglio.”

Jen and Grace whipped their heads to me in a confused panic, but I didn’t move my eyes from the Council. I bowed low, averting my gaze. “I honor the agreement. I present to you my servaglio.”

“Mike, what’s going on?” whispered Jen.

I rose and took her face in my hands, kissing her one last time. “My sweet second, you deserve more than I can give you. Elder Sable has offered you a place with him. He will provide for you in every way a vampyr can.”

She opened her mouth to argue but I hardened my features, silently warning her not to speak. Taking a deep breath, she nodded, holding back the tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

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