Spotlight Magazine interview

“So let’s talk about the Grammy Awards and your very public display of affection on the red carpet.” Spotlight Interviewer Daijah Diamond said continuing a twenty-minute conversation that had only been scheduled for five. Kaya and Caleb both laughed and he squeezed her hand in his. “What was that all about? Were you sort of staking your territory there? ‘Back off guys she’s mine!’”

“That’s it exactly,” Caleb laughed, rubbing a hand over his five o’clock shadow. “I wanted to put an end to the rumors concerning the father of Kaya’s baby. You know everyone suspected Connor was the culprit or uh…Rafe,” he said, clearing his throat and glancing at Kaya with a grin. “But no. Neither of them are responsible for the constant smile on this woman’s face. It was all me.”

Continue Reading: "Spotlight Magazine interview"

A Savage Meeting – Pt. 5 – Checkmate – Finale

Continue Reading: "A Savage Meeting – Pt. 5 – Checkmate – Finale"

A Savage Meeting – Pt. 4 – Bestial

Continue Reading: "A Savage Meeting – Pt. 4 – Bestial"

A Savage Meeting – Pt. 3 – Stargazing

Continue Reading: "A Savage Meeting – Pt. 3 – Stargazing"

A Savage Meeting – Pt. 2 – Yearning

“Dude, your true mate? Are you serious?”

“Yeah, I’m serious. Out there in the woods I kissed her but even before that I sensed her. I knew she was near; I just felt drawn to her. Like she was the very reason I breathed. But then we kissed and I…it was unlike anything I’d ever felt before. It was just—remarkable.”

“I think they call those hormones. Young, fertile females are like that, Bro. It’s that animal attraction; their heat. I smelled it too when you brought her into the house. But that’s all it is. It’ll pass in a few days and your horny, little wolf will settle down again.”

“No, Charlie. It’s not hormones or my libido. It’s her. I know it is and I’m gonna prove it!” he grinned, backing down the hallway staring at his brother before turning and rushing after Kaya. He followed her scent through the house, finding it just off the back door leading towards the gardens. The smell was strongest near the rose bushes that led into the hedge maze and he immediately darted behind it. Starting off on the west end of the trail, he realized the scent moved and was now drifting north.

Switching course he hurried off to the right and then the left but found the lingering trail shifted once again. Her scent surrounded him as if it wafted in from every direction, floating on the breeze that whispered through the cherry blossoms like a secret kiss. It was impossible to pinpoint the exact location and Caleb found himself growing more and more frustrated by the confusion. Closing his eyes he allowed the smell to engulf him like a warm blanket on a winter’s night and guide him where he needed to be.

His eyes opened in sudden awareness that Kaya was standing near the waterfall towards the back of the garden. Hurriedly he ran in the direction of the lake until he spotted her curvy figure situated on the edge of the shore. “So, you do like it here, too!” he commented, slowly walking up behind her. Caleb noticed her shoulders tense at the sound of his voice and again remembered his tone needed to soften. “It’s a really great place to get lost,” he smiled warmly, hoping she would turn in his direction but was sadly disappointed.

Kaya looked down at her feet and nodded. A small, feminine moan escaped her lips as she dipped a foot into the stream. “It’s really pretty; and peaceful. I can see why it’s your favorite place.”

“This area has a great many secrets like this one actually. There’s an alcove some miles towards the cliffs that is absolutely amazing during sunset and the smells that surround it during a good, heavy rain are just…incredible. If you’re interested I’d love to show you.”

“No. Thank you,” Kaya answered abruptly and retrieved her foot from the lake and turned to face him. “I can’t right now. I—there’s just—my parents must be worried. I need to get Connor and get home. Get someplace where I know we’re safe because here…I need to know I’m around people I can trust.”

“You can trust me,” Caleb replied, dipping his head to gain her attention. “I’m not going to hurt you. In fact I want the exact opposite. I know it sounds funny coming from someone you just met but, I have an aching desire to protect you. You feel it too, don’t you? This intense heat radiating between us; it’s all-consuming.”

Kaya hugged herself and swallowed hard. She watched the desperation on his face and the quick rise and fall of his chest as he spoke. “I don’t know what I feel. I’m not very experienced with this…” she sighed, making a motion with her hand in the space between them. “But I know it—it wasn’t…you’re—we’re different. And it’s not supposed to happen like this.”

“Oh, Kaya, this is exactly how it happens. You just need someone to show you,” Caleb whispered and closed the small gap between them. It was a risk trying to get this close to her after that comment but he’d been fighting off the urges since they’d returned to the manor. He needed to feel her again; the overwhelming heat from her body, or the delicateness of her skin, even if for a moment. His wolf demanded it and like their moment in the woods, he couldn’t deny this craving. Threading their fingers he pulled her closer, keeping their eyes locked like he was baring his soul to her and wanted to show her exactly what he was feeling. 

What he wanted more than anything was to kiss her; get as close to her as possible and kiss her until they were both breathless. But he was content with just her standing toe-to-toe with him, her chest less than an inch from his would satisfy the beast within.

His eyes flickered down to her lips before moving back to her eyes and Kaya caught the slight frown he quickly banished. There was question in his eyes; a struggle of uncertainty that she didn’t understand until he stepped back and placed a tender kiss on her hand before releasing her altogether. Although there was a reaction to that simple act, Kaya’s pang of disappoint was inescapable. It was more than obvious to her wolf that she wanted Caleb’s closeness and his touch and sadly what he’d just done didn’t feel like enough.

Before she had the chance to second guess the thought, Kaya rushed forward, pushed up on her toes and pressed her lips against his. Caleb stiffened, caught off guard by the suddenness of the act but quickly relaxed and circled his arms around her. She was so small, yet so soft and fit perfectly against him. Her lips moved along his slowly before her tongue brushed against his prompting an involuntary growl from him that made him push closer and kiss harder. Running her tongue along his lips, begging for entry, Caleb happily obliged and allowed her to deepen the kiss at her own pace. They could have stayed like that forever, if that was an option, but as his body began to react to their closeness, heating up and desiring more of her, Caleb pulled back, breaking the kiss. 

It was as he’d hoped. He was breathless and tingling with sharp jolts of electricity surging through his veins. He may have sounded like a mad man before; telling Charlie he knew for certain this woman was his mate. But now, having felt her so impossibly close to him, he knew his feelings were not imagined and that Kaya was undeniably his. Smiling warmly as he gazed down at her, Caleb withdrew his arms from around her lower back and gently grasped her tiny hand in his. There was no question that everything he was feeling she was too. Kaya’s bottom lip slipped between her teeth as the two continued staring at one another, neither uttering a word nor making a move.

Finally Caleb exhaled noisily while gently massaging his hand along Kaya’s cheek. She leaned into his touch, her eyes drifting closed briefly and he smiled at the peacefulness in her look. “It’s new,” she started before opening her eyes and looking up at him. “I’m not used to this kind of attention. In fact, my Dad warned every male within a 75-mile radius that if they even looked at me funny he’d have them stripped and bled out.” Caleb chuckled softly in his throat, the sound of it producing a giggle from Kaya. “My Dad can be a little extreme.”

“Extreme? Nah. That sounds pretty rational to me,” he replied sarcastically, his smile never fading.

“Oh yeah, rational. You should see the ringer he pushes my potential suitors through. Four days of grueling blood duels and interrogations by him and the rest of the pack elders just for him to tell these guys they aren’t good enough for me. Not that I mind, really. None of them actually fit into my ideal mate category. Plus this one guy smelled like mothballs and peppermint and had this really creepy lazy eye.”

“Nice. He could watch you no matter where you were.”

“Haha right!” she laughed again and Caleb reveled in the sound of it.

“So if none of those inferior specimens of wolf could suit your needs, tell me, what exactly are the criteria?” he asked, folding his arms into his chest as Kaya leaned against the rock wall behind her.

“Hmm well first, he’d have to be taller than me.” Caleb stood more erect and took a step closer, towering over her with a smile. “Second, I’d have to know he was capable of defending himself and protecting me.” Caleb nodded his head as if marking that requirement off his checklist and Kaya smiled. “Next, he must have an incredible sense of humor. I like a man who can make me laugh.”

Caleb blew on his knuckles before brushing them off on his collar and smiled, “Well I don’t like to brag but, I’ve been known to snare a few chuckles,” he beamed brilliantly, licking his lips while he watched hers form words. “What other requirements are there to becoming your ideal mate?”

“There’s just one more, but it’s really, really important. My ideal mate must be artistically inclined. Whether it is music, poetry, painting or sculpting, I want him to be sophisticatedly well-rounded and well-read.”

“Check and check,” he grinned, leaning into her as she concluded her list of prerequisites. “I think I pretty much decimated your list, Kaya. The only question now is, do you?”

“Do I what?” she asked, feeling his lips hover just above her own.

“Do you think I am the man you’ve described?”

“I don’t know, Caleb, I barely know anything about you,” she sighed and backed away, feeling his mouth lightly brush hers. “But what I do know is you’re a member of a group of animals that everyone I know fears. And I know that there is no way on earth that any of them would bless this union.” She tapped her hand against her leg a few times and sighed. “I should go; check on Connor. We need to get home soon before my pack sends an army to find me.” 

She started by him and Caleb reached out, quickly capturing her arm as she passed. “Kaya…”

“Please, don’t make this any harder than it already is.” Releasing his grip, he watched as she hurriedly raced out of the hedge maze and back towards the manor away from him.

“GET AWAY FROM ME!”

Kaya heard shouting as she reentered the back doors. It was loud and unmistakable; and a very welcomed sound. “Connor!” she yelled, rushing back towards the surgical room. Peering through the glass windows, she found him alert, on his feet and throwing large pieces of medical equipment between him and the few personnel still in the room. One of the nurses was holding a large syringe which she remembered from earlier. It still contained their Alpha’s blood which meant Connor had yet to be treated. 

He glanced towards the window and stopped in his tracks as he saw her. “Kaya! Kaya get me out of here!” She hurriedly moved towards the door and tried to gain entry.

“Stop!” Vaughn admonished, pulling her hand off the handle and pushing her away. “He’s not in his right mind.” 

“He’s scared! He awoke to find strange wolves hovering over him with a needle full of blood! How did you think he would react?”

“Regardless, he’s not leaving that room without being treated and I’m not letting you or anyone else enter until such time.” Nodding towards the nurse, he instructed her to proceed and Connor again refused, tossing a tray of medical tools at her.

“Connor! Connor, stop,” Kaya pleaded, banging against the glass trying to reason with her friend and calm him enough to be cared for. “These people are trying to help.”

“Help? Oh man! Please don’t tell me you’ve been drinking the Kool-Aid! They’re the ones who did this to me!”

“Yeah,” she sighed, briefly looking in Vaughn’s direction. “I know.” By now, several other members of the pack had heard the ruckus and were making their way towards their Alpha in case they were needed. Caleb had also found his way back inside and slowly moved towards them, looking up at her with doleful eyes. “Connor, you’re sick. They need to inject you with their Alpha’s blood to get rid of the toxins in your system. They’re slowly eating away at you; it will kill you. Please. Let them help you so we can go home.”

“Home; back to our own Alpha so your dad can finish what the Savages started,” he harrumphed and dropped listlessly into the chair against the wall.

“I won’t let that happen.” She watched as the medical team finally moved in and administered the antidote to her best friend.

Vaughn turned to her with a look of confusion which melted into recognition. “You’re Armand and Kaelani’s daughter; Kaya.”

“Yes,” she replied, staring him in the eyes. “Blueberry?” 

Vaughn gasped and nodded in surprise. “I didn’t think you’d remember,” he said with a smile.

“How could I forget the man with the purple stomach?” Kaya asked, throwing her arms around his neck. Vaughn gave her a squeeze before looking down at her once more.

“I should have known. You were always a remarkable child,” he paused, examining her as if seeing her for the first time.

“Dad?” Caleb finally said, watching the exchange curiously. “How do you…”

“Your friend is right, you know?” Vaughn continued, interrupting and ignoring his eldest child. “Armand will not be happy that you came here. Our packs have been at odds since before I can remember. Imagine what will happen when he finds out you were attacked in my territory by my pack.”

“He doesn’t have to. I won’t tell my Dad about this and you two can continue hating each other for whatever reason. Cure my friend and let us leave and you will never hear from us again.”

“No!” Caleb shouted, hearing Kaya’s request and schooled his features to present a calm front. “Dad, even if we let them go, what guarantees do we have Armand won’t find out anyway; come looking for payback?” He glanced back towards Kaya; the same woeful expression crossed his face. “I think we should keep an eye on her—them, just for a while, to be sure.”

“Agreed. You and your friend can go; I will personally escort you to the edge of our territory. But you must understand I need to observe caution where my pack is concerned. If your father is going to strike against me and mine for tonight’s transgressions, I need to be prepared.”

“Fine,” Kaya nodded, turning away from the father and son and back towards Connor. “That’s fine.”

“Then it’s settled. Once your friend is ready, we will head out immediately.” Vaughn quickly turned and exited the hallway, leaving her alone with his eldest child and the silence in the room in front of her.

“Kaya…”

“I know why you did that. And I want you to know it was very stupid. Nothing will ever come of this night between us. I just want to go home and forget that any of this ever happened.”

“Wait, Kaya…”

“Please. Just…stop.” The nurses exited the room and Kaya caught the door, entering in behind them to sit with Connor as he healed. Two hours later Vaughn did as promised and escorted them to the edge of town. The two left without another word.

“I really don’t think this is such a great idea,” Charlie bemoaned as he followed his older brother through the thick sprawling of trees towards the clearing just outside of Greymane Manor. A week had passed since Kaya and Connor returned home and Caleb volunteered for what Vaughn believed was a wellness check on the two; ensuring they had not spilled the beans about their trip to Shadowvale. “What if her father catches you? What do you think he’ll do to you? To her? He’d probably maim or murder you and probably ship her off to some foreign country where you would never see her again!”

“Enough, alright? I’m not concerned about her father, I can handle him.”

“Oh I’m sure. You think you can take on an Alpha? Are you that enamored you can’t think straight? Caleb, listen to me,” Charlie snorted, snatching his brother’s arm and spinning him around to face him. “This is stupid! You can’t just go barging into another pack’s home and kidnap the Alpha’s daughter! And maybe I’m wrong. Maybe you can handle the Alpha. But what about Kaya? You think she’d be impressed watching you beat the snot out of her old man?” Caleb sighed and dropped his gaze to his feet. Charlie was right; he hadn’t thought this through. “Look, all I’m saying is, think about what you’re doing. And be careful. I don’t think our parents wanted only one son; although they may not be disappointed, considering they’d be left with their perfect one,” he beamed and received a playful fist to the chest.

“Yeah, maybe you’re right. I don’t know what I was thinking. I just want to see her, you know?”

“Ok, but, do you necessarily have to break inside to do that?” Caleb shrugged and trudged forward. Moonless, the night favored them as they stalked closer towards the large home. A plan had taken form and Caleb hoped it would be enough to get Kaya’s attention. “Oh I see,” Charlie surmised, watching Caleb look for pebbles beneath the windowsill. “A little Romeo & Juliet action huh? Well, if you’ll excuse me, Romeo, I’m gonna wait for you by that large oak we passed on the way up. You have ten minutes. After that…well, I’m telling Dad!” he teased in a whiny voice before wishing his brother luck and rushing off back the way they came.

Caleb rubbed the tiny stones in his palm a moment, using his senses to determine which window belonged to Kaya but finding it difficult as again, her aroma surrounded him. Taking a chance, he leaned back and tossed the rock towards a room with a small balcony; it was one of two that had a large concentration of her scent. The pebble made a soft clank as it connected to the glass and he quickly ducked behind the tree beside him. Waiting a moment, he threw another rock and then another. But neither time did he receive the intended reaction. Shortly after 3:03 a.m., Kaya was awakened by a strange sound at her window. She glanced at the alarm clock beside her bed before drawing from the comforts of her warm sheets and starting towards it. 

Caleb watched as the French doors of the balcony opened and Kaya stepped out of the dimly lit room. She was dressed in a white, satin nightgown with a flowing, silk robe and matching fuzzy slippers; he smiled at the sight. Steeped in silence, Caleb held his breath as the wind rustled through her light brown hair. Those deep blue eyes he admired so much searched through the darkness looking for the source of the noise; looking for him.

He stood for a while shaded by the large willow, studying her as she peered through the murkiness and past the very trees that served as his backdrop. She was illuminated by nothing more than the silvery beams of light escaping the room behind her and the pearly fluorescence of the stars above. After a moment, she started to step back inside and he realized he was missing his opportunity. Stepping out from behind the tree, he silently called up to her, hoping she would see his presence in the gloom. “Kaya…”

She stopped suddenly and turned back towards her balcony. Wind blew once more through her silky gown and she gathered the ends of her robe as she hugged herself for warmth. “Kaya…” Quieter he yelled until her eyes turned in his direction. She smiled with recognition and he found himself again immersed in silence, marked only by the sound of his breathing and the beating of his heart.

“Caleb!” she caught herself before shouting louder. “What are you doing here?”

“I had to see you,” he responded, smiling as he moved a little closer to get a better look at her. “I didn’t like the way we left things and I was sorta hoping I could…change your mind.” 

“It’s not…,” she started and stopped with a sigh. “It’s really dangerous for you to be here. My Dad is very protective.”

“Yeah. I remember. But, you’re worth the severed limbs,” he smirked and noted a tinge of redness fill her cheeks. “And can you honestly say you weren’t dying to see me again?” he asked, holding his arms out in a showy gesture.

On damp night air, a rich, woodsy scent wafted off of Caleb and drifted from where he stood towards her on the balcony. Kaya inhaled deeply, her eyes closing briefly as she reminisced about their fleeting time together. She glanced down at him, the knowing smile on his face evident in his eyes as he watched her and she returned the expression, leaning more over the railing to continue smelling him. “No,” she beamed and watched him move forward, disappearing from sight momentarily.

Climbing the trellis beside her balcony, he quickly slipped over the railing and was standing in front of her within seconds. “Caleb, my Dad’s…”

“This will only take a minute,” he replied abruptly and composed himself before speaking again. “There’s an ancient Japanese legend that promises to anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes, one wish will be granted. I’ve been awake for nearly this entire week, making paper crane after paper crane,” he sighed and took a solitary step closer. Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved an origami crane and her eyes moved towards it as he straightened out its wings. “This is my 1000^th fold,” he replied, gently placing it in her hand. “And my one wish, is that you will see me again. I want to meet, outside of your territory, outside of mine, where we can just be us.”

A faint smile appeared on her lips that grew the longer she stared at the small, blue slip of paper in her hands. “If you accept, there’s a note inside the crane with instructions.” Caleb leaned forward and sweetly kissed Kaya’s cheek. Again her eyes closed as she took in his scent and they opened as she felt a gust of wind on her side. He’d hopped over the railing and down to the ground. With one last look, he waved his goodbye and hurried to meet Charlie; leaving Kaya staring after him with a mixture of lust and intrigue.

Part Three - Stargazing

Continue Reading: "A Savage Meeting – Pt. 2 – Yearning"

A Savage Meeting – Pt. 1 – Trespassers

Continue Reading: "A Savage Meeting – Pt. 1 – Trespassers"

A Hard Man to Love

Story Created By: Jean-Marie
Characters: Kaya, Rafe, Caleb
FanFic Story: After Midnight - Brought on by Kaya's request in Episode 50: Put It to Rest.

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“Oh, that felt so good! Being on that stage after so long. To hear our music in my ears again,” Kaya swayed in his arms taking it all in. The excitement of all those times swooping over her like a warm, familiar blanket. It felt good seeing and feeling like her old self again; something only performing could bring out. “…and the crowd was amazing!”

Rafe enjoyed gazing at her now, exactly the way she was before…before everything. She was so happy she was trembling in his arms; the adrenaline from performing still coursing through her veins. If only she could be like this all the time—free and happy. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath; taking in the wonderful scent her body was generating. “I missed you,” he whispered, meaning this carefree side of her, “very much.”

Continue Reading: "A Hard Man to Love"

Kaya & Caleb Pt. 4 - Age 18 - Finale

Caleb stepped into the dark room and eyed his surroundings. He knew she was playing a game; she enjoyed testing her skills against him. He closed his eyes and waited for her to make a move. A sudden breeze behind him caused him to turn in that direction, clever. Giving it one moment more he waited to feel her again. 

Before she had the chance to jump out at him, he scooped her into his arms to her dismay. “Really?” she cried and pulled away dejectedly.

“One of these days you’ll learn you aren’t faster than me!” he kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear, “Happy Birthday Princess, I have something for you.” Pulling his hand from behind his back he frowned noticing the emptiness of it. 

“It wouldn’t happen to be this would it?” she asked inhaling the scent of the flower she’d snatched without his noticing. “I guess today is the day YOU realize I am faster than you!”

“That’s what you were doing behind me!” He smiled at her and rubbed a hand across her cheek that she instinctively leaned into.

“So, today I thought…” a knock on the door cut off her sentence and she dropped to the bed with a sigh. 

She waited until he spoke with Alex about today’s events and knew it signaled the end of their time together as he had to move on to his pack duties. After her transition he would become an official Alpha and he’d have even less time to spend with her. For the most part she believed he used a lot of his ‘duties’ as an excuse to not see her sometimes.

On days she was lucky to find him alone he always seemed too busy to do much other than listen about her day. She suspected much of it had to do with the kiss they’d shared a few years earlier but never questioned her Alpha when he simply told her no. “Don’t pout Princess, you know it only makes me want to leave everything behind and run away with you.”

“It’s my birthday and I’ll pout if I want to.”

“Well, I promise to make it up to you tonight.” He smiled at her, gave her one last kiss on the cheek and started for the door. 

“Here,” Charlie sighed dropping a stack of papers in front of him.

“What’s this?”

“This would be progress reports about the area. Malena and Daniel found nothing of significance on the western quadrant. Michael and Brad report the eastern clear and the others have the same to say about the north and south over the last two weeks.”

He glanced up at his Beta and grinned at the frustration in his voice. “So, what you think I’m being paranoid? That I should forget about scouting and patrolling just because we’ve had a clear territory for a few weeks? I just want to be sure everything goes as planned for tonight’s events; nothing can stop my coronation or Kaya’s transition ceremony.”

“What I think is you’re super stressed out and need to relax. Do you really think Kaya wants to see you like this?”

“What Kaya wants is to feel protected and what I want is to provide that for her.” Noticing Joey standing at the door, he decided to split the difference and do a little patrolling AND relaxing. “Come on, we can take the Pup for a run; show him the ropes.”

Kaya watched from her bedroom window as her future mate and two members of the pack rushed off towards the south end of the property. Casually, she headed downstairs and found many others playing card games or pool in the den. 

“Ah, Madam Luna,” Alex smiled through his curled mustache and crooked teeth. “How are you feeling today?”

“Fine; maybe a little nervous about tonight but I think it’s an excited kind of nervous.”

“The Alpha has been looking forward to this night for 13 years, Little Luna, as have the rest of us. I’m sure he has everything planned out perfectly.”

She sighed and nodded watching her future pack mates go about their normal hustle and bustle. Everything seemed so benign. One would think it was just a regular day and not the day she became their official pack Luna or a full blooded wolf as the rest were. More nervous tension crawled through her veins as she realized her position would demand that she control and order the ones she had come to call ‘friend.’ 

Would they listen? Would she be too harsh? Would they laugh behind her back or all fall in line? Suddenly she needed some air; the temperature in the room had increased severely and she found herself stifled. “I think I’m gonna go for a small walk in the woods. Clear my head,” she announced and started for the door.

“Excellent, I shall join you.”

“No, that won’t be necessary, Alex, I really just want some moments of reflection about tonight if you don’t mind. I won’t be long.”

“But, Luna I’m…”

“That’s an order, Alex.” She asserted herself and watched him cower back towards the group with a smile. It felt good using that tone and that directive with one of her future subordinates. Plus, it got her what she wanted. Maybe she was cut out for it after all.

Kaya walked to the edge of the property and inhaled a deep breath. The honeysuckle was especially ripe in the air and made the cool fall afternoon seem that much chillier. She started towards the path near the edge of the garden, looked around for Alex and smiled realizing he followed her instructions and allowed her time to herself. Quickly she started down the path, taking the bends casually as her fingers slipped over the ends of the silky flowers that cluttered the garden at the forest’s edge. 

She loved being out in the territory, enjoying nature; it had to be her favorite past time. Once she transitioned, she knew her first activity as a wolf would be to blaze through the valleys and mountains she forever walked as a human and show Mother Nature what she was truly made of.

She stopped suddenly hearing something or someone behind her and turned in the direction. “Alex, if that’s you I’m gonna kick your ass! This isn’t ‘privacy’ when you’re lurking!” she called over her shoulder. Hearing no response Kaya moved on until she could hear the waterfall near Mate’s Mountain; her favorite spot and one that Caleb had shown her when he first toured her around their territory. 

It was a beautiful place for picnics and the seclusion of the area made for a nice spot for couples to raunch on occasion. She remembered the first time she caught one of them up on the hills; doggy style and grunting like animals. She was 16 at the time but still the act wasn’t “new” to her. She’d learned about all the nasty things men did to their mates from Malena, one of her best friends.

She remembered how much she blushed after returning home. Caleb had called her out on it and she giggled as she recalled the events she’d witnessed. She also noticed how aroused he’d become when she told him it was something she REALLY wanted to try with him when he’d have her. Stopping just on one of the rocks, Kaya felt a small jostle within her gut and clutched at the spot. It was an unusual feeling and left a burning sensation in the pit of her belly before finally easing off and disappearing. “Must have been lunch,” she spoke to herself and hurried towards the falls.

Finally making it to the peak she smiled and inhaled another breath of fresh air. Feeling that same funny sensation return Kaya lurched forward and grabbed a tree just on the edge of the cliff before rocketing head first down the bay. She screamed; this time the sensation was deeper and seemed to escalate up her chest and rest just around her heart. Her hand covered the beating organ as tears welled up in the bottoms of her eyes and she struggled to stay up on land. Bits of rock and dirt shook loose and fell softly down the embankment. Finally getting a firm grip on the base of the tree, she pulled herself up and rested against the trunk.

Her breathing grew shallow as the pain seemed to disappear only to return worse than before. “This can’t be happening now!” she cried in pain as her chest caved in on itself and the bones of her rib cage broke and extended. Another gut busting scream ripped from her throat and she moved closer towards the path she’d travelled to get here. “Help...” she meekly whispered as her throat muscles clenched and began shutting close; breathing became even harder. 

Kaya rolled to her back and peered at the sky. The pack had mentioned the pain of the first shift but she never imagined it would be like this. The trees rustled overhead as the wind howled around her. Kaya shut her eyes and tried thinking about Caleb hoping he had some way of finding her even though they hadn’t made things official. She was transitioning and in the middle of nowhere and could not even stand to get back to the manor.

Kaya rolled over once more and moved against the tree, she heard that same movement from behind her and looked over her shoulder. A man dressed in a dark green camo jacket and pants was slowly approaching. “Help...” she tried again to speak only to be met with the same scratchy sound.

“Don’t you worry, that’s exactly why I’m here.” His voice was unpleasant and rough and Kaya sensed he was anything but friendly.

Caleb returned to the house; his thick black fur rustled in the wind and he grinned over his shoulder at Joey as the two raced one another. You’ll never beat me if your only focus is to beat me. You have to know you’re better and just let the wind guide you, Pup! He dug in deeper and his claws scraped across the pavement at the back porch as he shifted and jumped at Joey. 

“Maybe next time.” Smiling in victory Caleb grabbed his pants from the table and tossed them on. The patrols found nothing unusual and it cleared up a few extra minutes that he was very happy to spend with his future mate. With another flower in hand Caleb rushed the stairs towards the master bedroom three at a time entering the room with a smile.

Not seeing Kaya he sighed thinking she was playing another game. This time though he was ready. He didn’t know how she was able to take the rose so quickly earlier but the grip he had on this one ensured she’d not beat him again. After making it to the center of the room without his mate jumping at him, his smile was replaced with a scowl and he sniffed to check for her. “Kaya?”

 

Angrily Caleb rushed from the room towards the social den. Pulling Alex by the shoulder just before he made his shot he was met with a harsh greeting. “Hey what the fuck I almost had...Alpha!” Alex quickly realized who he was speaking to and dropped respectfully to one knee.

“Where’s, Ky?” he demanded ignoring the man’s gesture.

“Uh she...uh she asked me for some privacy. She went for a walk but she should be back soon.”

Caleb growled and snatched Alex up by his neck. “I don’t think you heard me correctly. WHERE IS KY?”

“A-A-Alpha, I-I-I d-d-don’t know. She begged me and a-a-as her s-s-subordinate I gave her what she ordered!”

“There must be a failure in communication somewhere. I’m Alpha correct?” Alex nodded and buried his eyes to the floor. “And you’re Kaya's bodyguard correct?” Again he nodded but his eyes never met Caleb’s. “Then explain to me why YOU are not with HER!?”

Without waiting on an answer Caleb threw Alex against the wall hard enough to crack the plaster. Angry couldn’t begin to describe the rage welling inside his chest. His wolf was mean, enraged and ready to rip everyone standing in the room to shreds for letting his mate leave unattended. “Don’t just stand around with your tails between your legs, FIND HER!”

Immediately the room cleared as the pack shifted and headed off in different directions through the dark forest. Caleb called for Joey and Charlie; they’d search the North end. One of them had better bring her back before dusk’s end if they intended to live to the next full moon. “I want every inch of the property searc...” his words were cut short as a deep yell broke through the thick underbrush just off the north end of the territory. His head jerked in the direction of the sound and his gut wrenched at the realization. “KAYA!” shifting quickly he and the others rushed towards the sounds of the screams as quickly as their wolves could carry them.

Another scream sounded off and echoed off the pines, rustling in the wind as Caleb’s chest tightened. She was shifting! She was shifting before night fall and was lost somewhere in the woods. Harder his legs pumped to try and get to her before the end of her transition. Charlie immediately sensed danger and beckoned for his brother who’d already noticed the newly set traps and rig lines running through the path and along the trees. They had just scoured this area; that only meant hunters were here and possibly closing in on his mate as well. His paws pounded through the dirt kicking up clumps of dry mud and leaves, crunching over twigs and barreling over fallen logs and rocks. He had to get to her before those screams became a beacon to her location for their mortal enemy.

Motioning to Charlie to flank left and Joey to take right the wolves were going to corner anyone in the area and hopefully take them by surprise. “Please...” Kaya begged. Her body was ripped, torn and broken. Every bone in her body seemed out of place and the pain was nearly too much to handle. She leaned against the tree as the man loaded and cocked the double barrel shotgun and aimed it for her head.

“It’ll be over soon. I reckon you have about five more minutes before that creature shoots outta you. Then it’ll all be over. I’d never known it had I not seen for myself. But just as sure as I’m standin’ here I know you’re one of them monsters that killed my son.”

He spit a mouthful of chew off to the side and licked at the spittle that had drawn a line down his lip and smiled at her. He wanted her to go through the pain of the change before taking her life. The man had first learned of their kind three years earlier while on a hunting expedition with his son. Believing they were doing the town a favor and getting rid of the wolves that inhabited the woods above Shadowvale, they’d stumbled onto so much more than either had bargained for. It was his son who’d come upon Kaya in the woods the day she and Caleb ventured past Mate’s Mountain. 

The hunter had separated from the group and found her sitting on a rock. He tried to save her not knowing she was one of them. The elder man escaped with his life that day but his son wasn’t so lucky. Since then hunting had become his pastime and his home was decorated with his kills. Newbloods that had gone missing became his victims unbeknownst to Caleb and the others. Beautiful white furs, black furs and even red lined his wall accenting the many wolves he’d laid to waste.

“Please...I did nothing wrong. Please help me,” Kaya begged as another bone broke and warped to suit her new form. She screamed again and the hunter raised his gun once more as he saw patches of her gorgeous brown fur break through the skin of her back. She’d be another rarity and another beautiful prize for his collection.

He counted down readying himself for the kill. In any moment she’d be a full grown wolf and try taking him out; he wasn't going to give her that chance. “Ten, nine, eight, seven...” his count continued. Kaya closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable. She hadn’t even lived and soon her life would end.

The trees rustled just off to the hunters’ right but he didn't flinch. His hunting party should be by pretty soon and he assumed it was one of them coming to watch him create another head mount for his den. “Bobby, come and see this one! She’s a beaut. I expect her wolf is just as nice!” 

Instead of the victorious yell of one of his friends, the hunter was met with the slow increasing rumble of not one but three wild wolves as they circled around him like prey. His eyes closed on the one in the middle standing in the bushes near his newly found prize. His raven black hair blew in the wind as the ends stood up. His light gray eyes turned ice cold and yellow and seemed to pierce through his stony exterior. Caleb’s broad shoulders squared and his lips curled over his teeth. The sharp canines seemed to glisten even under the quickly dimming light of the sun. The hunter took one step backwards and raised his rifle to aim at the largest of the three wolves. He cocked the hammer and slid his finger over the trigger. Just as he steadied himself to take aim Caleb lunged forward. 

A shot rang out and Caleb quickly avoided it lowering his body to collide with the man’s. His teeth closed over the hunter’s arm and the shell ricocheted off a tree near Kaya before coming to rest in the dirt just at Joey’s left paw. The man yelled and Caleb swiped at his neck, severing his vocal chords in one swing. He fell to the ground; blood quickly colored the spot beneath his toppled body painting the forest ground in red.

Crawling on his hands and knees the hunter moved towards the gun that had fallen just a few feet away from him. If he could reach it he could survive this. Glancing once over his shoulder he noticed the wolf seemed to be toying with him almost smiling. Yeah, he was going to make a nice trophy of this one.

His blood drenched fingers curled around the base of the weapon but before he could get a good enough grip on it, he was jerked backwards by his ankles and dragged into the awaiting mouth of the large predator. He wanted to scream; call for his friends and pray they came in time but it was too late. Caleb’s powerful jaw gripped his throat and in one firm shake snapped his neck. He tossed his body over the cliff and listened as it hit the jagged rocks below. 

His gaze fell on Kaya who had taken in the events wide eyed and panicked. Never before had he allowed her to witness his rage and never would he allow her to see what their pack was all about but she needed him and he promised to protect her with his dying breath. Shifting back, he started towards her. Blood and dirt covered his hands and face as he fell to his knees in front of her. “You’re shifting.”

“GET AWAY FROM ME!” she yelled and pushed back.

“Kaya, I’m only trying to help.”

“I SAID GO!” she growled and like clockwork as the moon reached the night sky she’d changed into a large brown wolf. Moonbeams painted circles over her fur and made her glisten beneath their rays.

Caleb smiled and ignored her demands as he inched closer. “You look beautiful!” Kaya pounced and caught his throat between her teeth. She twisted and together they rolled over fallen leaves and grass battling one another for control.

“KY! Stop this! This isn’t you!” She rolled again until she caught his arm in her jaw and bit down hard. He howled in pain and whipped around freeing himself from her grasp. Instantly he tackled her to the ground and rested his body on top of hers. “CHANGE BACK!” he demanded in a growl. She ignored his command and snapped at his hands as he held her against the cool earth. Caleb roared fiercely causing the other wolves in his company to kneel from recognition. Kaya whimpered and slowly the face of his Angel began appearing through the patches of fur. 

“Caleb?” He smiled and stood above her. Taking her hand he lifted her to her feet and brushed off loose bits of dirt and pine needles. “Why did I...?”

“That was my fault,” Caleb acknowledged her question. “With it being your first transition you were confused. And with me being so close you took my emotions as your own and came at me.” He stroked his fingers over her cheek and she wrapped her hands over his arm and rested her head in his hand.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to bite you.”

“Don’t worry about it. Look it’s already healing. Besides, I’ll get even later tonight.”

“Oh yeah? So that means you’re not mad?”

“What does this tell you?” he smirked and jerked her body against his. Leaning forward Caleb quickly captured her lips between his and gently flicked his tongue across them. Kaya moaned and scraped her nails over his scalp as she dug her other hand deeper into his arm balancing herself against his chest. Caleb’s hand slid slowly across the soft flesh of her thigh and she felt his shaft throb as it touched her body. 

“You’re mine, finally,” he whispered against her neck, tucked her into his arms and carried her back towards the path. Happily he rolled his nose against the crook of her neck kissing her lightly along the nape. Kaya rested her head against his shoulder listening to his heartbeat and purred happily. His mate had transitioned without his interference and they would very soon be bonded.

Continue Reading: "Kaya & Caleb Pt. 4 - Age 18 - Finale"