The next morning I wake up naked and tangled in my sheets. Last night's events hit me like a tidal wave and I grab a pillow groaning my embarrassment into it.

So much for fighting it... Amber mocks me.

"Shut up, don't act like you're disappointed!" I talk into the pillow. I'm alone, in the oversized bed. Brodie must have tucked me in and left last night. After giving me the most intense orgasm I've ever experienced. Holy crap! Even thinking about it sends shivers of pleasure through my spine.

The intense desires of the heat are gone and I feel normal again. Panic at what the doctor said to me last night creeps through my skin. I will keep having heats until I am mated and each time they will get stronger and more intense. I groan again feeling the weight of that sink in. I have to make a decision a lot sooner than I thought I would.

I check my phone, Sunday morning, one more day to figure out how I'll get out of here and to Derek tomorrow night.

Just tell Brodie, he will sort Derek out for us Amber chuckles darkly.

"That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid," I grumble back. As much as I want Derek to suffer for being the worst husband. I don't want him getting caught up in whatever this is, despite my hurt I still care for him. A wave of guilt washes over me for how quickly I've moved to another man's bed, it's been less than a month.

Are you serious? He moved to another's bed long before you did!

"I know, I know ok. It's stupid to feel guilty. I just didn't think this would happen so soon"

Is it really that bad Stella? What's the saying about getting over one, is best done, by getting under another?  I laugh at her attempt to make me feel better.

"Under another, who is much better equipped!" I giggle back to her feeling less awkward about last night. She's right screw Derek, screw embarrassment and screw heats!

Brodie wanted us badly. Our mate is strong-minded. I think back remembering how much Brodie struggled not to just give in to my demands last night. I really need to thank him for being so understanding. He didn't ask for this all to be so complicated, he was just excited to finally find me, his mate.

Getting out of bed determined not to be ashamed of last night and face Brodie unembarrassed.

I make my way out and find Casey waiting for me like usual.

"Let me guess, he's gone again?"

"Yes, Alpha business, he does want more time with you, but there's a lot going on with the rogues lately, '' she explains. I nod disappointed not to have caught Brodie before he left for the day.

"How are you doing after last night?" My stomach turns at her knowledge of last night's events.

"You know about it!" I'm all but horrified.

"Don't be mad Brodie told me and only me. He wanted you to have someone to talk to" she smiles warmly and I relax a little.

"All she-wolves get heats, Stella, It's normal" Oh good she only knows I went into heat, not the details, I can't imagine Brodie telling her about everything. Flushed I force myself to focus on asking some more questions.

"How often will I have them?" I'm anxious to know.

"Once you are fully mated. Normally monthly, like a human cycle. Also they aren't so intense." She smiles sympathetically.

"What about before your you know marked."

She looks shocked for a moment.
"I don't actually know a she-wolf that has lasted past the first heat" she chuckles awkwardly.

"But, I've heard it's random and they get more intense the longer you wait." She shrug apologetically.

I bury my head in my hands.

"What's going on with the rogues?' I ask desperate to change the subject.

"I don't know. I just know there have been more attacks lately. Including yours." She comments whilst pouring me a much needed coffee.

It seems so long ago that I was wandering the forest for the first time in my wolf form.

"Casey, can we shift today?" I ask,  if I'm to stay here I need to embrace and get to know Amber better. Casey looks a little wary.

"You've only ever shifted once. I think maybe Brodie will want to.." I can tell she's about to mind link him.

"No! Don't tell him. I want to learn this, so I can be better at it with him" I admit knowing my cheeks will be red with embarrassment. Casey smiles understanding.

"Ok, but you have to promise not to run off on me or anything. He'll be so upset if anything happens to you. We're staying within Kaitai's territory".

"Thank you" I breathe relieved, I don't want a big adventure anyway, just a chance to get used to shifting and learning a little more about the other half of myself.

An hour later after eating and preparing myself. I'm standing in a clearing amongst the woods out the back of the packhouse.

"Ok so, it's easier if you take your clothes off first" Casey instructs.

"Ok," I say nervously watching as Casey starts to strip. I go behind a tree and take my clothes off, hiding them amongst the forest's earthy debris making a mental note of the tree in my mind.

"Stella are you going to come out or do you want me to talk you through it like this" she doesn't laugh at me for which I am so grateful.

"I know how to shift, but how will we communicate once we do?" I call out from my hiding spot. I feel stupid because obviously Caseys not shy about being nude with me. I just need a bit more time to get used to getting naked in front of other people.

"Your wolf will understand my wolf and translate" ah well that's handy I think to myself.

Amber is buzzing around in the back of my head anxious to get her paws moving once again.

"Ok I'm ready" I announce, letting Amber come to the front of my mind bracing myself for the pain.

This time the pain is even less again. My bones disconnect, grow and reform. Before I know it I'm standing with four paws on the ground, looking at Casey's wolf. I have never been able to examine one of them in the daylight only at night. I'm in awe of the sheer size, her grey eyes and full light brown coat are unreal to comprehend. She sniffs the air and then flicks her head for me to follow.

We run through the forest surrounding the pack's territory. Sticking close to Casey's wolf, focusing on how she maneuvers herself around the various woodland obstacles.

Amber is ecstatic to be moving around the tree's and leaping over fallen branches. Feeling her exhilarated buzz as we pound out the miles, is freeing and I'm starting to understand what Casey meant about needing to let her out so we can work better together. Amber needs to blow off steam too. Casey stops in another larger clearing of trees and turns to face me. I immediately pick up on what she's doing, she circles me creating a ring-like yesterday's sparing. Matching her posture and copying her moves she shows me some basic fighting stances and moves. I don't know how long we go over and over it but eventually we progress. Slowly she makes it harder and harder for me to get a hold of her. I have to figure out new ways to tackle or get her down. She's going easy on me I know.

A few more rounds and suddenly she stops sniffing the air and turning her head alarmed. Pushing me with her snout she forces me to step back in the direction we came from. Whining and coaxing me to move into a run. I follow her at full speed with my heart pounding in my chest. I didn't sense danger like the last time I came into contact with a rogue but she seems concerned about something.

We make it back to our spot and immediately I notice Casey's wolf starts to shrink. I push myself forward past Amber again and feel the familiar change of my structure start to take over. Ducking behind the tree where I left my clothes I change back into my leggings and tank top. Pulling my hair up into a high ponytail, and stepping out. I find Casey worrying, her forehead stress emanating from her pores.

"Hurry Brodie's looking for you" she immediately starts babbling after spotting me.

"Just tell him where we are then" I don't understand what the drama is all about.

"She did" the familiar tingles of Brodie's presence start to prickle my skin. He comes into view. My entire body goes on alert, almost begging for his touch. Images from last night litter my mind and I try so hard to swallow them and resit giving off an aroused aroma.

"Leave us" he commands Casey who immediately nods walking away.  Watching her retreating form I'm still confused.

"Am I in trouble?" I huff, throwing my arms across my chest.

"Of course not,'' he replies, taking a step forward and tucking a loose piece of my hair behind my ear. I melt under his touch.

"Why was Casey so worried then?" I frown confused about what all the hurry was for.

"I panicked a little when I couldn't find you, also I was a little short with her.' he admits turning a guilty look towards Casey's retreating form.

"I wanted to be the one to take you on your next shift. I'm sorry I have been so busy" he looks into my eyes concern and uncertainty written all over his features. My heart squeezes, he's worried he hasn't been doing enough.

"I'm sorry too, I asked Casey to help me with this because I wanted to get better at it so I could do it with you" I look away feeling silly. He moves to cup my chin and turn my gaze back towards him.

"You don't ever need to be ashamed of anything with me. I want to help you, teach you and show you anything and everything you need Stella" My name on his lips sends a happy dance through my brain. We just stare at each other for a little while enjoying the electric energy between us. Everything about him is so addictive I just want more every time we are together.

"Are you too tired for another walk?" He tilts his head hopefully and I turn to liquid on the spot.

"Of course, as humans or wolves?"

"Whatever you prefer?" he shrugs his shoulders not caring either way. I think for a minute.

Please Amber begs.

"Amber wants to meet your wolf" I smile up at him knowing I don't sound like a crazy person to him.

"Leo has been tearing me apart waiting to meet your wolf... Amber" His eyes turn black as he says Amber's name and she turns to a useless purring mess inside my mind.

"I used to think I was a basket case for naming the voice inside my head," I think back to all the times I thought about seeking professional help. Brodie rubs the small of my back like he can't get enough of touching me.

"I can't even imagine what it was like for you to discover her uneducated for the first time" he frowns deep in thought.

"It was intense, she turned my hands into claws then woke me up" I laugh at the memory and Brodie joins me.

"Come you can go behind that tree and I'll take this one" He gives me a warm smile still with black eyes. I appreciate his consideration for my lack of experience once again, he gives me the space I need always.

Too much space If you ask me Amber huffs. I send her a behave warning before stripping and shifting behind the tree. I step out in my wolf skin and Brodies wolf Leo couldn't hide even if he wanted to. His massive black form is a stark contrast to the bright sunlight spraying through the canopy of trees. At night he is almost invisible except for his piercing green eyes. But during the daytime, he stands out amongst the bright greens and yellows of the forest. Either way, he's beautiful and massive.

Amber and Leo rub noses and lick each other in greeting. Amber and I are easily half the size of Brodie and Leo.  I sit back letting her have her moment with her mate. I feel a weight or tension eb realising that her angst adds to mine.

We run, Amber happily following Leo, me happily sticking to Brodie. Shock hits me when I notice the sun going down, a whole day has passed in a flash. Still, I feel so energised. Slowing our pace I notice we are near where we started our journey through the woods. Deciding to be mischievous I throw an Idea to Amber, she likes it and before Brodie can notice we shift back into human form.

Grabbing my clothes and placing them hurriedly on I hear Brodie's wolf turn searching. I step out from behind the tree smirking.

"Catch me If you can Alpha" I purr in a teasing tone. Then I bolt using his confusion to my advantage. The excitement and adrenaline fuels my movements. The challenge of getting away thrilling.

I want to see If I can outdo my mate again,  I want to win and impress him.

I hear him still in wolf form pound after me. I use every skill I have to get away sharp turns, impossible leaps and finally using a tree to conceal myself. I almost laugh when I see his determined self pound past me full speed into the depths of the woods. Turning back I bolt towards the packhouse, I know he'll find my trail. I'm not concealed enough to hide my scent.

I hear his frustrated howl in the distance as I break the line of trees almost to my goal. I can't help the huge grin that overtakes my face. I did it!!

Entering the packhouse I take the stairs two at a time. Bursting through the suite doors adrenaline pumping I'm almost a little disappointed I didn't get caught as much fun as getting away from the big bad Alpha was.

I can't help but think It might have been more exhilarating to get caught by him.  Deciding a shower is needed I let the spray pound my skin. Throwing on some simple cotton shorts and a singlet so I can eat and hit the bed.

The day's extracurricular activities have caught up on me and I haven't eaten since breakfast. I'm towel drying my hair when I hear the suite door burst open. I can hear the almost feral pants of Brodie as he stomps his way towards me. I walk out of my bedroom door proudly smirking, my towel drops and my smirk is gone when my brown eyes lock with Brodie's black ones. He's furious.

It takes him no time at all to reach me, I try to take a step back but he picks me up slamming my back against the doorframe. His mouth claims mine almost painfully.

Looks like Alpha doesn't like us running away from him Amber chuckles just as amused as me.

I go to move my hands into his hair but he grabs them pinning them by my sides. Without breaking the kiss he moves us into his bedroom. A place that I haven't been in with him before. Placing me on his bed he continues to devour my mouth. Whilst placing himself on top of me. A small moan escapes me at his dominating behaviour, I'm so turned on my body is practically vibrating.

When he slips his hand into my underwear, my back arches into him begging for more contact.

"So ready for me" he growls into my ear, I know I'm wet I can feel the way his finger glides around my sensitive skin already lubricated. Sucking on my neck and pinning me with his body he plunges a finger into me. I cry out at the immediate pleasure close to cumming already.

"Oh no, not yet little mate. I need to hear you beg me for it first" he chuckles into my neck. I whimper realising he wants to get revenge for my little stunt in the forest.

Best punishment ever Amber coos. I bring a wall up between her as Brodie plunges two fingers inside me and sets off a steady onslaught of ecstasy on my core.

Making sure to slow down and retreat just as I am about to explode I can sense his pleasure at having control over my body. I sink my nails into his arms letting out a frustrated growl. To which he smiles at me delighted.

"Who do you belong to Stella" he looks at me with black eyes and plunges his fingers deep inside of me.

"No-one" I cry out desperately trying to reach my release. He removes his fingers but applies his thumb to my swollen sensitive clit.

"Wrong answer baby" he practically laughs. The delicious torture continues of him bringing me to the edge and then not letting me orgasm. Each time asking me to admit I belong to him.

Finally, like a twig that has been stepped on I snap. I've always been his, from the moment we locked eyes Brodie has owned my body. It's just my mind that needed time to realise it.

"I'm yours!" I beg wanting the release he withholds from me.

"What?" I can hear he's shocked. Locking my burning browns with his jet black I say it again.

"I am your Brodie!" A growl rips from his throats as this time he lets me hit my release. Arching my back on a scream I'm left panting. Brodie rolls away from me fighting his urge to claim me fully. He did this last night, fought his urges and managed to walk away unsatisfied.

Taking a steadying breath after my own explosive moment I roll towards him. He stands backing away from the bed, trembling for control over Leo, his wolf.

Leo wants to do his duty in claiming us and marking me as he is meant to have done already. I want to help him so I push myself off the bed falling to my knees in front of him. I fumble with his belt before finally undoing his pants.

"Still, it's ok just..."

"Just shut up" I all but growl up at him. Finally, I've freed his rock hard cock I shouldn't be surprised by the size, considering he is large in every other part of his anatomy. Taking a breath, I part my lips making way for his tip to enter my mouth, swirling my tongue around its mass. I revel in the sound of his moan.

I take him deep into my throat, slowly undoing his control. Once I realise he's close to cumming, I stop giving him the same treatment he just gave me.

"Who do you belong to, Brodie?" I pant, licking him teasingly for effect. I see his whole body shudder under my touch and I love now being in control of him. He lets out a growl of disapproval and I chuckle knowing I too have him as he had me earlier. I suck on the end of his length swirling my tongue again. When I feel his thighs turn to stone under my hands I ask again.

"Who do you belong to!' If he thinks I was just going to roll over. He's now realising he was very wrong. He doesn't put up much of a fight a few more rounds and I hear what I want.

"You!!!" he concedes and I finish him with a final suck. Letting him spurt his seed into my throat. Fighting the urge to gag, I swallow and collapse back onto the bed, gasping. Tremors ripple through him. I sense, although not as strong, he still has to fight the urge to claim me fully.

He joins me on the bed. We lay for a minute catching our breath, and I cannot help the stupid grin on my face.

"I should run away more often" I'm the first to break the silence. I hear his chest rumble and I prop myself up to get a better look and confirm his eyes are indeed still black. I straddle him and lay my head on his chest, loving the sensation of feeling safe and cared for. It's been soo long since I felt anything like this with a man.

I close my eyes waiting for him to calm his beast inside enough so we can talk without him threatening to turn all crazy wolfman on me. I rub little circles into his muscles, and I can tell it's working, Feeling his breathing slow and his body soften under my touch.

"How did you get away from me again" He grumbles unhappily, admitting defeat.

I smile proudly, knowing he can't see it anyway. Picking my head up, so I can see his face, I rest my chin on his chest. Still laying on top of him.

"I'm good at it" I tilt my head to feign innocence, and I see his lips twitch amused.

"Looks like I need to spend some time with my top trackers then" He flips me onto my back, pinning me under his weight. I can't help the ear-splitting grin, I couldn't get it off my face even if I tried. His returning smile is just as playful, and I melt under him.

"Do you have any idea how beautiful you are" he means every word and my heart swells with happiness. A growl breaks the moment, and this time it's not coming from a wolf but my stomach. We both laugh.

"Looks like I need to feed you, little mate.' He gets up and after adjusting himself he pulls me up off the bed. Casey has left a meal ready for us in the fridge, I watch Brodie plate us up and microwave heat the food. I am literally starving.

Finally while filling my stomach Brodie approaches the topic of last night.

"I'm taking the fact you haven't run away for real as a sign you're not angry at me about last night?"

"No, actually, I want to thank you for being so controlled. I sure as hell wasn't" I giggle, shaking my head at the memory of attacking him. He smiles.

"Good, and how are you feeling about everything?" I can tell he's making it sound more casual than he actually feels.

"I really like it here and being with you. But I still haven't decided sorry'. Guilt wreaks havoc on my emotions as I watch disappointment roll over his features. We finish the rest of our meal in silence and I wish I could say something to get back to the playfulness we had before. I clean the dishes and Brodie pours us a wine, walking out onto the balcony alone.

I finish the dishes, desperately wracking my brain for an Idea, nothing comes to me, and I sigh, frustrated. I take my wine and go to my room to check my phone. Replying to a text from my mom and promising to call her soon. I put it back on charge, ready to go and talk to Brodie more. I step back out, and he's gone. His empty glass sits on the bench and his bedroom door is closed. Frustration fills me that he's so upset. I understand this is also hard for him, but I thought we'd made good progress today. Finishing my wine I decided to head to bed as well. I let the wall down between me, and Amber whilst furiously scrubbing my teeth. Nothing, no snarky or scoldings comments for my earlier actions. The silence is almost worse.

"What do I do?" I whisper, knowing she can hear and feel everything I am.

Go to him Amber says the simple solution, but it just feels impossible. How can I just walk in? What if he sends me away, tired of waiting for me to sort my shit out.

I sigh and climb into the bed alone...

Waking with my heart pounding in my chest. I realise it's still the middle of the night. I'm surprised that sleep claimed me at all. I must have been tired after all.

I toss and turn huffing and abusing my pillows.

Go to him, Amber repeats her only advice. Still in my singlet and cotton shorts.  I pad with bare feet, making my way quietly across my room, Finding myself at Brodie's bedroom door. My hand hovers over the handle, shaking slightly. I have no reason to fear rejection from him, he's been nothing but kind, caring and understanding. This is the first time he's been truly disappointed by my inability to decide if I want him and this life.

Sighing frustrated, my hand drops defeated to my side.

The only thing worthless around here Is you, Stella. Derek's words sound in my head and my heart twists, remembering the rejection of my husband leaving me for another woman.

Turning to go back and torture myself back to sleep in the bed. I jump, shocked when his bedroom door swings open forcefully.  A shirtless Brodie stands staring at me, I go to say something, but no words come out. Crushing me into his chest I wrap my arms around him, feeling tearful.

"I'm sorry" I finally get out, and I can't help the tears that start to leak down my face. Picking me up, I straddle his waist, burying my head into the crook of his neck. The smell of him alone makes me feel better and I'm relieved when he takes us back into his room closing the door behind me. Part of me was worried he'd take me back to my room and leave me there alone.

Staying curled into him in his bed I fall to sleep surrounded by his scent, feeling safe.