> Werewolves.

> Victorian Era.

> I was thinking that like in the animal kingdom, that Werewolves could have a season or period of time when females come into heat and at that time the males aim to impress a female(s) of their choice to become their Mate or to seduce their current Mate to get them pregnant with pups. This way females are actually given some respect/worshipped/whatever you want to call it and for once the males are going to have to work for the females, rather then have the females having to degrade themselves to attract the males. Also, the Alpha Female of a wolf pack seems to be either as important as the Alpha Male if not more so, so I think it should be fair that Alpha Females rule the Packs just as much as Alpha Males do and that they don't need to have an Alpha Male to be an Alpha Female.

Also, perhaps each region has an area fenced off for the single Werewolves to go when the females are in heat so they can find a Mate of their own. Then I was thinking that there would be Regional ones, National ones, and then International ones.

> I was thinking, like you, that for the Internationals that only the best get to enter - those that have a special quality, whether its most challenges won, or youngest to shift into their Werewolf form for the first time, Alpha of largest pack, etc. Also, maybe it could be televised as well? Make it this big occassion like the Olympics is for us?

> I think there should be some intense rivalry between the two largest packs, especially at any of the events that a lot of werewolves gather. Like, you can tell there is something going on by the fact that a lot of the werewolves take their sides at them even though it is more of a free-for-all when they are competing for mates?

> I feel like it should be some sort of war in the past that ended with no victor, no resolution. Instead, all that was left was anger and the need to get vengeance for all those who had fallen on either side.
It would be more about the fact that there had been a war and that maybe the alpha of your character's pack was killed off and that it destroyed the female alpha he was mated to, that she had to step down as she grew weaker from the loss? Hmm... I have a lot of ideas for this, including my character being a possible alpha that was able to live through the war but is scarred and still wanting to fight despite the feud being considered 'over' due to some sort of pact that they wouldn't continue fighting?

> That sounds really good. I like your war idea and the idea for your character. I have an idea for mine out of your war idea - The female alpha could step down, as you said, but she had a daughter with her Mate and the daughter took up the Alpha position. She was well suited for the role but perhaps some thought it unfair she got the position, especially when she ends up taking a lower ranked male as her Mate. Shortly after giving birth to a daughter herself, perhaps she is murdered, the killer never identified since perhaps it happened in a crowded place with the whole pack there and since her Mate was a lower ranked wolf he stepped away from the Alpha position as he didn't have the ability to defend himself in the position as well as protect their daughter so he settled back for his previous lower ranked position. The female from the pack that takes over as Alpha Female could have rumours spread about her that she was the one who murdered the previous Alpha Female.

Then my character is the daughter of the lower ranked male and the Alpha Female that stepped up to take her mother's position. Usually the first transformation to their Werewolf form happens at puberty but for a reason unknown my character didn't experience her first transformation (although she had the instincts) until she was twenty five. She's been through the Regionals before, went five times in a row and no male ever showed interest in her, and so she's refused to go again. Her father, I think, could have found another Mate and had pups of their own and maybe one of them comes of age and wants my character to chaperone her/him as they go to the Regionals?

> Anyway, the idea was that when males go into puberty they naturally gain their wolf instincts and go through their first transition to Werewolf form. As for females I thought that maybe they gain their wolf instincts when they go through puberty but not their Werewolf form. They go through their first Werewolf transformation when they either gain a Mate (an instinct to protect said Mate and their den) or when they get pregnant/have pups (again instinct to protect Mate, den and pups). Also that my character could skip all that and go through her first transformation without a Mate, den, or pups making her one of a kind. I was thinking the reason could be that she had younger siblings to take care of, her father either dead or so ill he couldn't look after himself and his children so she'd take care of him too, and her maternal side was so strong that it brought out the ability to be able to transform into her Werewolf form without the need for a Mate or pups.

This is just to help me remember. :)

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"Emmie, are you sure about this?"

Saffie asked, biting her lip anxiously as she held the reins to one of the two stormy dapple grey stallions, both of white had a snow white mane and tail and held a spanish, almost andalusian or lipizzanner, build. Their faces were noble looking with a thick white blaze running down the middle of their heads and covering the muzzle which showed off a bit of pink skin around the lips, mottled with a bit of black, and their legs held tall white stockings on each. It was not the horses however, both of which was attached to their carriage that Saffie had driven to their location, but their location that made her anxious and uncomfortable.

She really did not want to be here. On the last and fifth time she had been here the audience had been half laughing at her and how pathetic she must be to never even have a single male to even look at her with interest, and the other half was looking at her with pity. Both reactions made her feel worse then dirt and she knew it would be worse going there today. As the chaperone it was basically saying to everyone there that she had given up and accepted she would be an untouched spinster for the rest of her life. It didn't matter that she had, admittedly, sworn off men even though a small part of large, romantic heart still fantasised that maybe he, the one, was out there looking for her. She didn't want everyone out there to think of her as the untouched spinster and make her more of a mocking legend then she already was in the area. She was more then used to seeing people whisper about her, making horrible facial expressions and either laughing or looking at her with pity. If she wasn't so loyal to her Pack, which rightfully should be hers if she had wanted it, then she would have left.

Well, that and her ill father still lived with the Pack as did her four siblings, none of which would be able to move anyway at this point in time and all of which needed her to look after them. She was stuck and Saffie had now accepted this was what her life was going to be. She would help her siblings experience everything she wouldn't and that unfortunately meant helping her beautiful sisters find the Mate she never would. This, in turn, also meant she'd have to go to the Regionals with her eldest (but younger then her) sister now that she had turned of age.

"Yes Saffie. Don't worry, it'll be okay. Even if I don't find someone that I feel is right for me we could go to the Nationals instead. No one has met either of us there and we'd probably be able to find a better quality of men there anyway. We just have to go through the motions and start with the Regionals. I just hope none of our Pack males are here. They are annoying enough back at home as it is."

She told her sister, leaving Saffie to tie the horses up securely before following her to the marked, large, open field that had been set aside for this event. A lot of people had turned up already of various ages. The entrants were all sixteen years old and up, of course, with the entrants under twenty one needing a chaperone to be with them. Most of the time though beloved family members ended up coming with the entrants anyway as this was when those they loved could find someone who could be their future love of their life and Mate. It was a special occassion and kept strictly PG whilst out in the open. It was a time of celebration and often held quite a 'fun fair' atmosphere.

This atmosphere however failed to liften Saffie's spirits as she walked alongside her sister up to the fence with dread. She had kept her hair down today, using it to hide her face as much as possible so no one could recognise her. She had worn her usual plain dress with the white on the top part, the black waistband, and then a dusty tan skirt with her father's old pair of hardy, brown boots in an attempt to blend into the background.

"Ooooh, look, is starting! Wish me luck Saffie."

Emmie said excitedly, giving her older sister a quick hug before rushing off with the other female entrants to enter the field and find their own place to relax before the males would enter. Saffie watched her younger sister go with a small smile, knowing Emmie would find a lot of admirers with her long, golden blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and tall, lean frame with the bust Saffie had failed to inherit. It didn't matter that Emmie had no rhythm what so ever which was really amusing (and Saffie found it endearing) when she danced which all the Laine children loved to do.

Emmie wouldn't need any good luck, neither would her other siblings Ruby, Malachite and Jasper. Ruby inherited the flame red, curly hair that their mother had, Saffie often admiring and wishing she'd inherited the same, and was very similiar in looks to Emmie otherwise although she had freckles where as Emmie didn't. Malachite and Jasper, the twin boys, were a very handsome pair inheriting their good looks from their father. Whilst their father, Dawson, may have been a very low ranked male in the Pack, just a step above the lowest, he was a very handsome man with a roman-like facial features, jet black hair, piercing cobalt eyes and a tall, lean, muscular frame that had females swooning over - all be it secretly as no one could admit to lusting after a low ranked Werewolf regardless of how hot he was. Even age and illness hadn't robbed Dawson of his handsome looks.

Saffie was a mix of both her father and mother in equal measures both in looks and personality. She was proud of this, of course, but sometimes she couldn't help but wonder if maybe she'd taken after her mother more if things for her may have been different. Of course there was little use in wondering now as it wasn't going to change things.

It wasn't long before the Regionals was over and Emmie returned with a happy smile. Whilst none had felt right to her Saffie had been right in that a lot of males had shown interest in her. A part of her wondered if her sister had rejected them for her sake to get her to the Nationals in a hope it might break her five year bad streak but then she pushed that thought aside as ridiculous. It would be silly for anyone to risk their future for her, even her adorable sister Emmie. Emmie had her whole life ahead of her whilst she, Saffie, was thirty years old and months away from being thirty one. She saw no use in any further attempts with the male gender at this stage in life.

"Guess we'll have to go to Nationals then."

Emmie said brightly, and again that niggling thought poked at Saffie's mind. 'She wouldn't... Surely...'

"Right. Are you sure? None of the boys showed any potential?"

Saffie asked, taking Emmie's hand as they headed back towards their carriage. With a firm comment that said in certain terms that none of the boys had felt right, Saffie let the thought go and helped her sister up into the carriage. She had just been about to untie the horses from the hitching post when she heard a group of people circle around her. With a sharp turn she noticed that all five of them were males that Emmie had rejected and they seemed very angry.

"You told her to humilate us didn't ya? Ya couldn't stand being the ugly, frigid she-wolf that no one wanted so ya had ya sister, who actually looks like somethin' worth havin', and decided ya would get ya own payback didn't ya? Well, we ain't standin' for this. We're gonna show you just where ya and ya vicious plans belong!"

The ringleader said, and all the while Saffie was very aware of Emmie in the carriage who could hear every word. She did her best to hide what others thought of her and treated her from her siblings and father. She didn't want them to worry and this was the worst way for Emmie to find out. Not only that but she couldn't let Emmie come out in a valiant but useless attempt to help her. Besides, Saffie didn't need help. Not really. She hid her secret well but these boys were tall, some were lean, some were big (in weight not muscle) and she knew as she was she wouldn't be able to fend them off without revealing her secret. Especially when she noticed that they had an audience as well, none of which were on her side nor were they about to come to her aid. They wanted to see the show.

Saffie was just glad that she had another set of clothes in the carriage for such an eventuality. All the boys transformed then into their Werewolf form, their clothes shredding as they did so which clearly showed they had no problem with public nudity. They thought she wouldn't have a chance, and maybe she wouldn't even with her secret but she was the only one who could do what she could and she was hoping that would scare them off without them having to fight.

So she did it - Saffie transformed into her Werewolf form, untouched by male hands without a Mate or pups, and snarled at the boys as she did her best to stand tall, despite the fact her body proportions were the same as if she was human. She hated that she didn't get slimmer, or perfect, and that she just stayed her pale, round self no matter which form she took.

As expected it made everyone freeze, some gasping in shock and horror, and others looking at her in disbelief. It would take just one small sound for everything to kick off and a physical reaction to ensue whether it was to flee or fight and it felt like everyone was holding their breath waiting for it.

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“Honestly, Clayton, you act as if a war is going to be initiated the moment you step off of your land. Now, go enjoy Regionals. I’ll take care of things here,” the formidable Clayton’s beta insisted. The man wasn’t as imposing as his alpha, yet he held an air of calmness and rational that proved to be quite useful over the years. Though the man had only been the beta of the pack for thirty years, that didn’t mean that Clayton listened to him any less than he had his two other betas over the years.

Still, the burly alpha let out a huff of air. His beta, a man with platinum blonde hair, a smaller, though still muscular build, and height of 5’9”, just watched his alpha think through the advice he had been given. When it appeared that the man was still conflicted, his beta stepped closer to him and looked into his dark brown eyes with his own clear blue ones. “Clayton, stop being so stiff. The war ended years ago! There is no need to be so on edge over going off a few miles to Regionals! What if your mate is taken without you being there, hmm?” the beta inquired.

Clay’s head jerked and his eyes grew darker and he let out a low, dangerous growl. His Beta’s hands rose carefully, and he tilted his head to the side, showing his neck in an automatic form of submission to his overly-territorial alpha. The blood wolf inside Clayton calmed only slightly, still on edge over his mate being stolen out from under his nose.

That had been the only reason he had been attending the stupid gatherings over all those years. If his mate decided to show at any moment in time, he didn’t want to miss her. Yet, there were events he hadn’t been able to attend, which were regionals for the past six years. It had been too much for him to leave his pack, especially since the new generation had been born. Small babies needed to be protected, especially since they were a blessing. There hadn’t been too many matings in Bridgewater and Clayton had been honestly growing more and more worried as their numbers went from being in the hundred to just over fifty.

Of course, he couldn’t leave the newly born children alone, defenseless, so he had stayed. The next year came and he still couldn’t leave. The alpha inside him refused to abandon his pack to tend to his own needs yet again. His beta’s mate gave birth the third year and he began even more protective over his own pack.

Every year since his beta tried to edge him away from the pack to get to Regionals, anything to get his alpha to stop breathing down the necks of every member of the pack. It wasn’t that they minded, but it was obvious that Clay needed a break from the same place, locked down for such a long time. His wolf had grown restless and he had become even more aware of his own need to claim more territory, to expand his holdings.

His beta’s hand moved onto his shoulder and he snarled slightly in warning. “Clayton, just go!” his beta snapped out, getting tired of trying to baby him.

“You had best not try to be commanding me to do anything, Verneer,” was all Clayton said in response. The beta shook his head from side to side and tilted his head so that his neck was even more vulnerable.

“Never, alpha. It is just that I’m concerned that your mate may be taken by another male if you continue to hid yourself away,” he explained. Clayton paced away before huffing out a breath. Before he could think twice about it, he snarled and started towards the path that led out of the woods, not even grabbing something to dress himself up with. The simple cotton shirt and the tight leather breeches should be enough for his mate. He paused in movement, stripping down and knowing he was going to be late if he just simply walked. He set his clothes on a neat pile on the ground, something he had grown used to doing over the years of his transitions.

Clayton let himself change, his bones melding into one another and reshifting in a matter of a single breath. He stood there once more, a dark black wolf with eyes that were tinted a harsh red, the single most definitive signal of what he was. A bloodwolf through and through.

He took his clothes into his mouth, careful not to rip them with his sharp teeth and began to run. His movements were swift, able to move through the area without too much trouble. He passed people in carriages, the horses not even phased by the sight of a giant wolf that was just over their size passing by. Still, he caught a few looks from those in his own pack who seemed happy by the fact that he was giving Regionals the chance that they needed.

An unmated alpha was something else, after all. If he was a regular wolf, one that could pledge himself to more than one mate, his wolf would become vicious as he aged. As a blood wolf, it was obvious that his wolf side understood that there was only one female for him and that it would take some time to find her among all the other female wolves.

So, he ran. The miles seemed to be an easy walk in the park for his wolf, never once getting out of breath as he traveled. The streets grew wider as he made himself to the area that was designated for Regionals, knowing he was a bit late by the fact that men were already making their way to females, trying to impress them. His wolf growled lowly before he shifted back into his human form as easily as his heart could beat. While to some wolves it took them time to change, he could change quickly. It was an easy shift, one that showed how often he had done it before and how many years he got to practice the motions.

He slipped on his clothes, brushing out any wrinkles, and quickly joined the fray.

When it seemed as if there was no female there for him, he let out a sigh, knowing he would have to travel all the way to Nationals to try and find the female for him. It was aggravating to think about, but he couldn’t complain. There had to be a mate out there for him, there had to be.

He had been about to start stripping to head home when he scented danger in the air. His eyes focused in on a few male wolves who were by two females. ‘Now that is no such way to earn yourself a mate’, I thought with a shake of my head. It was only when the female, obviously unmated and without any children, changed that he found himself stalking closer. The men were frozen, but he only moved closer, obviously interested in the woman who changed to protect herself and her sister. Everyone was stunned, questioning looks moved between them, and the male wolves didn’t seem ready to back down.

“Stop,” he found himself snapping out. The males turned their attention to his burly form and his dark eyes. They weren’t from his pack, which he could smell on them easily enough. As their attention shifted to him, ready to attack, he let out a harsh laugh. “You pathetic little pups are challenging me?” he snapped out in question. A sharp and dangerous tone entered his voice and his eyes grew just as dangerous. “If you wish,” was all he said when one of them snarled. He tugged off his shirt, tossing it to the ground, uncaring about nudity over the years. His tattooed, well-trained body was quickly revealed before he shifted, his clothes littering the ground in an unorganized mess.

His dark black wolf stood there, his body larger than that of an average werewolf and eyes glowing a dangerous red. A smart male backed carefully away and the spectators found themselves giving the giant alpha a lot more space than before. He shook out his coat and let out a dangerous snarl. The males, stupid and obviously not well informed started for him. It was child’s play, the way he was able to step side one of them before sending his clawed back leg into his side. The wolf let out a high whimper as he stumbled mid-run.

Clayton didn’t pay him any mind, pouncing with a vicious sound leaving his throat, and biting into the neck of another one of the men, the one who seemed to be the ringleader, though no alpha. He began to whine and whimper, his tail shifting between his legs as he went limp. Another growl left Clayton’s wolf before he let the pup go. The group quickly fled the one he had hit limping, and the ringleader leading the fleeing group. A huff left Clay’s wolf and he shook out his fur once more, this time just because he wanted to and not because he was looking to intimidate anyone. His red eyes turned over the spectators who seemed to think better of watching the females be attacked and hurried along.

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'Oh god.' This was Saffie's first thought as she caught sight of the male that had yelled stop as he revealed himself. He was every woman's dream man. Primal, dominant, sexy, burly, muscle everywhere, that height, and god he was beautiful. It was as if she had dreamt him up herself. He had such piercing eyes, and then he had to rip his shirt off which, quite simply, short-circuted Saffie's brain as she stared at all that beautiful, strong, muscular flesh. The second it was gone and fur replaced it Saffie managed to think again as he clearly took on the boys' challenge. She did her best not to look the man in the eyes again as she didn't want to see the same empty look that made it clear she wasn't even a woman so why would she be considered? She wanted to be able to think of him later and pretend he had intervened to protect her rather then teach these boys a lesson as he was rightly doing.

That led her to the thought she couldn't let him just take them on all on his own. Sure, he could easily beat them all without any help but she hadn't asked for help and she was sure she could, probably or maybe, take care of herself if she had to. Okay, maybe she wouldn't have but that didn't mean she didn't feel guilty that he was having to fight them because of her. It wasn't his fault she was an undesirable piranha. So with a growl of her own she shoved her front paws against one of the smaller males of the group, constantly keeping close to the carriage with her back to it so her sister was protected inside. Before she could do much, if any damage, to the male she singled out she watched the group flee. Saffie noticed the ringleader was rather spooked and another male was limping. She then watched, surprised, as the audience seemed to disperse as well. The dream male was clearly impressive and Saffie was now left with a dilemma.

How would she say thankyou to him? She could go into the carriage, transform back to her human form and try to dress quickly before going to the male and saying thankyou, risking the chance of seeing 'that look' which she hated or she could let her sister come out and say it for her, trying to ignore that he most likely would find Emmie very attractive. The last thing she wanted was her dream man in her family because he was Mated to one of her sisters. Before she could make her decision Saffie noticed Emmie step out of the cave in a modest but exquiste dress that had taken a lot of hours doing childcare for the Pack's pups to earn enough money to have it made. It had been worth it though and honestly she enjoyed the job anyway.

Emmie rushed over to her, cupping her older sister's cheeks as she looked Saffie over.

"How could you do that?! You said you'd never transform in public."

Emmie exclaimed. Saffie couldn't help but look fondly at her sister, knowing she meant well but when it came to her family Saffie knew she'd do anything for her family. Leaning forward, Saffie gave her sister's cheek a lick before nudging her sister to face the man that had stepped in. Fortunately Emmie took the hint and wandered closer to the extremely attractive man in his prime whilst Saffie stayed put. Saffie was obviously ready to move should her sister be in danger but otherwise she kept her eyes on her sister whilst sneaking glimpses at the muscular, furry Werewolf that definitely had to be an Alpha of a Pack somewhere.

"Good day sir. My name is Emerald Laine, thats my sister Sapphire,"

Emmie introduced, pointing out her sister when it came to her name before continuing on,

"and we would just like to say thankyou for stepping in. We both really appreciate it and if there is anything we can do to repay you this favour then please say so."

She told him, reciting one of the various statements that Saffie had taught her to say should she be in certain situations.

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The big wolf turned his attention on the two females, one who was coming out of a carriage and the other staying in the form of her wolf. They spoke to one another, but he didn’t pry, rather trying to place the smell in the air that was catching his attention. His nose went into the air, breathing deeply as his tail thumped just once in response. He wanted to know where the smell was coming from and why he wanted to continue to smell it so badly. He stood once more, watching as the girl from the carriage approached. It was obvious she had gone to Regionals, and he believed he had seen her there. Of course, he had been sniffing around, trying to see if anything caught his attention or any of the females seemed to call to him. Yet, every single one just let him down, not being the one he was looking for.

His wolf had huffed in disappointment, knowing that they would probably have to go farther out of their way in their search for a mate. His blood wolf had a mind of his own, melding with his own when he changed into his larger, dangerous wolf form. So, it made it far easier to understand what the beast wanted or what it was going on about. Most werewolves could say their wolf was a part of them, completely and utterly them in a sense. For him, he could see the lines where he ended and the wolf began. Sure, there were places he could say that they were the same, yet being a blood wolf caused your DNA to change, your body to be less human in certain aspects. He could never lose his muscle as his body wouldn’t accept not fighting every day in training. Just like his eyes color, such things stayed the same.

Clayton’s attention moved to the female werewolf who approached him. His eyes quickly surveyed her, but unlike many males, he didn't seem too interested in her. His eyes were dull as he listened to words that seemed numb of any true emotions, making his wolf huff out a breath. Etiquette, something that was required in their time, was highly trained in just about anyone. He said damn it all. Rather, he just straight up changed back into his human form, a quick and efficient change.

One of his hands stuck out as he nodded to the girl. “It is a pleasure to meet you, but you do not need to pay me back in any way,” he stated, gritting his teeth at the thought of giving his name. He shrugged his shoulders, waiting for her hand to slip away from his before brushing it off at his side absentmindedly. Surely, that could be seen as rude, but he didn’t even notice the gesture. After all, both he and his wolf hated the smell of anyone else on his body, in a way any unmated male hated the smell of anyone but their mate, but to higher and higher degrees due to his heightened senses.

“I’m alpha Clayton Victor Hughes,” he stated with a nod to both the female who decided not to change back and to the girl in front of him. His dark eyes strayed back to the female werewolf for the longest moment, eyes sparking in a rare show of interest before he turned away as if the conversation was already over. Before either girl could reaction, he stretched his body and changed before their eyes once more, something most werewolves couldn’t do so easily after a few changes. He could always shift in between his two sides, having trained by himself despite the discomfort in the beginning.

He took his clothes into his mouth and turned to give them one last look before he bounded off, knowing that the Nationals would be held in a day's time and it would take that day to arrive at the proper location.

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Saffie had to admit, her jaw actually dropped when the male suddenly transformed into his human form - without clothes! She couldn't pry her gaze from his body even if she wanted to which, of course, she didn't. She was fortunate that she was covered in fur as she knew she would be blushing as she surveyed every inch of his golden skin. She glanced away as she noticed he had held a hand out to her sister, knowing she'd much rather ignore whatever gaze he gave Emmie.

Emmie put her hand in his politely, giving him a standard handshake for a female in this era before withdrawing her hand. She couldn't help but watch him rather curiously as she noticed he held no interest in his eyes when he looked at her. She barely heard his name but what she did notice was the interest in his gaze when he looked beyond her - it had to be at her sister and she couldn't help but be thrilled by that. This male was definitely one of the higher classes, making it even more of Emmie's permission to get her sister to the Nationals and hopefully enter. If this male could show even a little interest in Saffie to Saffie herself then it would do wonders for Saffie's self esteem and of course make her year - no, her lifetime. It would make Saffie so happy and Emmie was determined to show her sister that the males around here were idiots and that there were men out there who were real men, worthy, and knew a good thing when they saw it. She wanted her sister to experience what it was like to be admired and maybe even fought over. Of course she'd much rather prefer it if it happened naturally rather then her having to bribe men for Saffie but that was a very last resort she hoped she never had to do.

Saffie's gaze shot back to the male briefly as he mentioned his name. Even his name was masculine and strong! She never saw his gaze of interest, her gaze rather focused on him from his nose downwards so she could avoid any negative looks shot her way. Her eyes widened in shock however as he easily transformed back into his Werewolf form so quickly and bounded off. A part of her, some deep seated instinct, told her to call for him to come back but that was utterly stupid and so Saffie squashed it down as he disappeared into the horizon.

"Oh! Saffie did you see it?! Oh gosh, he looked at you. He looked at you like he liked you!"

Emmie squealed happily as she rushed over to her sister, ignoring the fact she looked very unlady-like running towards her sister in public. Saffie snorted in disbelief at her sister, shaking her head before walking over to the carriage. She climbed in, putting the door ajar for a moment so she could hear her sister but still have her privacy as she shifted back to her human form. Saffie took her rolled up clothes out of the bag, unrolling them and slipping them on quickly and quietly, ignoring the fact they were now wrinkled since she had rolled them so tightly and into such a small ball.

"Emmie don't be silly. A man like that would not look at me with any kind of interest. He is a god, or probably descended from one, and even if he is single - after all he could have a Mate, he is pretty much perfect as far as I can tell right now - why would he choose me? I'm thirty one, single, not even had a sloppy kiss behind a bikeshed, or held hands in a primary school corridor, and lets face it... everyone labels me as fat and I can't disagree. I'm not bad looking, I have nice eyes, skin, hair and face, but there are far more beautiful women out there - not all of them are shallow or a dreadful attitude."

She vented, keeping her voice calm and quiet which showed she had gone through this statement in her head so many times that it was almost automatic now. Of course the statement had altered over the years as she made an effort to remind herself of the things she did like about her appearance. After all she had a large heart, and she thought her personality was decent - after all she was caring, maternal, helpful, generous and friendly. She could be funny sometimes too. Sure, she had a fiery side but didn't most people have a limit anyway?

Once she was dressed she opened the door fully and stepped out, holding a hand out to help Emmie back inside. Once Emmie was situated Saffie went to close the door but Emmie halted its progress.

"I know you don't believe me but I can prove it to you. Please, lets go to Nationals and we'll enter together. He must be one of the higher ups. He has to be there! If he shows any interest in you then I'll spend a whole month doing father's hygiene routines and medication. I promise. If he doesn't then I won't ever make you enter another Hunt ever again whether its Regionals, Nationals, or Internationals."

She pleaded, her eyes begging Saffie to agree to the deal.

"Emmie, this is ridiculous. Besides what if he isn't at the Nationals? What do we do then?"

Saffie argued, running a hand through her brown hair. She noticed and tried to ignore the way Emmie's face lit up at her question, as if Saffie had already agreed to deal. There was very few things that Saffie wouldn't do for her family. Infact she knew she would probably do this for Emmie even though she knew it was ninety nine per cent fact that she'd go home disappointed, broken hearted, and another scrap of her hope gone. Despite knowing all this she knew she would do it anyway because it would make Emmie happy. Still, she had to try to put an effort in saying no. Maybe Emmie would back down first. However she had a feeling this was one of the things she was very passionate about and so wouldn't take no for an answer.

Turns out she was right as the next day they arrived at the National site for the Hunt at the territory called Graywall End which was at least five times the size of Hawksworth where the Regional site had been and where her pack's territory of Blackbriar Moor was. Due to the length of time it took to get to the new location Saffie had been unable to go home and get more clothes so she had been forced to purchase two new outfits and for a messenger to send a note home to her Pack and to her father, Ruby, and brothers that she and Emmie would be gone one more day but would return shortly after that along with instructions on what to do to take care of themselves and the home. It left no money for luxuries this month but Saffie knew it was worth it as Emmie was so excited she could barely sit still. Emmie, of course, was in another exquisite but modest dress of a soft green with dark green patterns and golden trimming. Saffie had managed to find a plain dress that looked exactly like the style she was used to wearing although the skirt was in a fiery red this time. It stood out more then she liked but she knew she had to make do for now.

"Come on! Lets go! The women are already entering the field."

Emmie squealed excitedly, taking her sister's hand and dragging her through the audience to the field. Once her feet touched the grass Saffie became very aware of the world around her, more so then usual, and she could have sworn everyone was glaring daggers at her even though it didn't look it. Maybe she was imagining it or so used to it back home but she felt extremely uncomfortable.

"Emmie, you go ahead and find your spot. I'm going to find my own okay?"

Saffie spoke softly as she managed to force her sister to a halt. Emmie seemed to look her in the eyes for a moment before reluctantly nodding.

"Okay, but you have to stay in the field until the end okay? He will come and he will make you happy, I just know it!"

Emmie said enthusiastically and Saffie could only give her a nod and a weak smile as she agreed to stay. With that Emmie sprinted off to find her own spot where she could have the high ground but also in line of sight for the males to see when they entered. Saffie instead walked parralel to the fence and eventually found a spot near the back underneath a tree which provided some shade. She sat down without ceremony and began fingering the fishtail plait she had let Emmie put her hair in. She heard the moment the men came but did her best to tune it out. Unfortunately this was pretty much impossible and she could hear the men clearly passing her by with such a steady pattern that it was clear they didn't even bother to stop and look. Needing a task to keep herself occupied Saffie began undoing the plait as she let her gaze find her sister to make sure she was okay.

Maybe Emmie would find someone.

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Clayton ran the entire journey, his body appreciating the ability to be able to stretch his legs quite a bit. It had been a long time since he had to run so far, it made him and his wolf more happy than he would have ever been able to express. Perhaps he could stretch his legs a bit more regularly, stop being so paranoid that his pack was going to be attacked as soon as he decided to take a small break from being on guard.

Still, the air was nice and crisp, especially when he was able to escape into the countryside, a shortcut that he was well aware of the allowed him to cut the time by a good hour or two, depending upon how fast he was running. By the time he arrived at Graywall End there was a bit of time for him to make himself more presentable, which meant he could go and find some clothes. It wasn’t hard to find something wrinkle-free. After all, he stopped by a store, grabbed a cotton shirt that fit on his body nice enough. Automatically, he had opened half of the buttons, letting it hang there and air to escape underneath to cool his warm skin.

They had a nice pair of leather pants that fit on him well enough and so he decided to grab it. His hand ran through his hair as he stepped out of the shop, being able to spend money easily enough with the amount of work he could accomplish, especially as alpha. Money was never an issue with his pack, always having some sort of skills up their sleeves to provide for their families, the men and the women equally. That was why he was so used to shaking women’s hands. They all worked and deserved the same respect a man of twice their size got. Sometimes they worked even harder as they would care for their pups while working at the same time. It was an amusing sight to watch the females doing work and yelling at their pups doing something bad without even having to turn around.

A crooked smile grew on his face at the thought of his pack before he shook it off. He needed to get to Nationals, and see if he could spot anyone that called to his senses.

While most males could have any girl as their mate, blood wolves didn’t have the luxury. They could only find their mate using their enhanced senses, searching on and on until they were lucky enough to find them. To say that the males didn’t often find their mates was an understatement. That was why they could look so young, age so gracefully. They needed to be able to search for as long as they possibly could for the one that was meant for them.

He puffed out a breath as he entered the area, eyes immediately searching for someone, anyone that could be his mate. Clayton sniffed the air, searching quickly for anything that seemed out of place to him. He froze as the scent that had bothered him earlier was tinting the air. It was only a small difference, but his wolf instantly picked up on it. It caused him to turn his head to the left, to the right, trying to figure out where it was coming from. Clay began to move, not knowing where he was going exactly, but hoping he was following the right scent trail.

His eyes caught on the form of a woman. She didn’t look too bad, in fact, making him tilt his head, consideringly. She wasn’t like the other females who seemed to head for the spotlight and catch the attention of all the males nearby. Instead, she hid underneath a tree, looking to be calmly watching someone. His eyes turned to follow the line of her sight and he noticed the girl he had spoken to before standing up there. Instantly his mind made the connection that this woman could possibly be the female wolf who had come to the defense of her sister and herself at the carriage. It was hard to say exactly if she was though, due to the fact the had only seen her from far away and hadn’t truly been taking notice of anything until things had gone from bad to worse.

Clay’s eyes returned to observing her, finding that he was starting to walk towards her to get a better look. Her eyes, they were a brilliant color that he didn’t often see, colbalt if his mind was able to recognize it correctly. His lips tipped upwards slightly in a crooked grin as he continued to singlemindedly stride towards her. It was the direct motions of an alpha male. Each step forward held no hesitation. Even his eyes were determined as he moved to stand before her, casting an even darker shadow than the trees down onto her sitting form.

With a single motion he was squatting down next to her with raised eyebrows. “Such a strange place to seat yourself,” he commented, looking at the tree and the fact that she was sem-hidden by the shadow of the tree. He took in a breath and his eyes flashed with even more interest as the smell that had been teasing him before seemed to come from her. His hand moved to touch her hand and his thumb rubbed slowly against the back of her hand, trying to further see how he reacted to her. Her skin was so soft, making him pause in his movements.

Skin usually felt the same, always the same. He held no interest in touching anyone, and yet he found himself captivated by how soft her skin underneath his thumb was. “Your name, what is it?” he asked, completely direct as his dark brown eyes moved directly to stare at her, wanting to hear the name he believed was the same as the sister the girl had introduced. He waited to hear her voice, wondering if the sound would call to him as the sound of a blood wolf’s mate would call to them when they first heard it.

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The first thing Saffie noticed was a whisper of something running through the crowd which caused her to frown briefly before shrugging it off to watch a young boy approach her sister. It looked like he had shoulder length, fiery red hair, with green eyes from what she could see with a lean but strong body. For now they seemed to be introducing themselves. There was no rejection yet and Saffie wondered if her sister really liked this one as a potential Mate or if she'd like him as a best friend. It was hard to tell from this distance and so all she could do was watch their body language.

The second thing she noticed was that her sister seemed to become distracted. Infact her sister was looking at her and then at something away from her in some kind of strange signal. Realising Emmie wanted her to look at something, although what she wanted her to notice she had no idea, Saffie reluctantly let her gaze leave her sister to look in the direction her sister was suggesting.

The sight of him was all it took for a red blush to heat her cheeks, her eyes to widen, and her body to tense up as her heart raced beneath her heaving bust as she pressed her back up against the tree. He was looking at her! In the eye and she'd never seen the look he had before. Not directed to her. He wasn't stopping. His stride was sure and confident. What did he want? Had she done something wrong? He was an Alpha! Everything about him screamed it. Did he know she was the one he'd seen at Regionals? The Regionals were for everyone and the Internationals were only for the best, so that naturally meant that the middle ground would be found in the Nationals. What if she didn't meet this requirement? Maybe he ran things and he was going to throw her out...

Then he smiled this crooked smile and he squatted infront of her. Her hands were no longer fussing with her hair. Her fingers ran through the grass in an attempt to calm her racing heartbeat. She could smell him, that strong musky scent that probably sent every female a twitter and to her shame Saffie found herself feeling the exact same way.

Before she knew it he was speaking and Saffie was having to focus on his words rather then the fact he was so very close. Emmie couldn't have been right! Could she? She found herself having to lick her lips and swallow as her throat suddenly felt dry. Her gaze finally left his piercing eyes when she felt his hand touch hers. His hand was so warm, strong and rough. She watched his thumb rub back and forth, and before she knew it she could feel herself calming. She could actually feel like she could breath and talk. Surely this was not a normal side effect of a man having an interest in a woman? Sure, she felt she had a fairly good instinct when it came to whether someone was good or not but this was something else. Of course she had no experience in this kind of thing so what did she know? Maybe it was normal.

When he asked her name Saffie's gaze fluttered back up to meet his gaze.

"Saffie Laine."

She replied, glad she at least managed to say that and sound somewhat calm and normal because she sure didn't feel it at all. He was still so close, he looked and smelt so good, he was looking at her with something she'd never seen before and suddenly she just couldn't seem to stop herself from rambling.

"Five years. I went to the Regionals for five years in a row and no male ever so much as looked at me or anything. I mean, it wasn't any different to anything outside the Hunts anyway... My mother was gorgeous you know. I remember that much, just like my sisters. Five years and you know its bad when you go home after that fifth time and think 'well, thats not surprising'. Not even held hands... and you know how you have those rites of passage? For example at school when you only just realised boys don't have germs. You see everyone, boys and girls, show interest. They say they are 'Potential Mates' even though they are really just doing everything friends do and its just so cute? Well, that never happened for me. If I was lucky I'd actually have a friend which is a boy and that was rare as it was. Then there were first kisses as teenagers and that never happened. I told myself I'm just a late developer thats all, then eighteen turns into twenty one, then twenty five and now I'm thirty almost thirty one and I don't even know if I am female anymore because I've never even had a bad person try to take anything without asking in a dark alley. Its like I'm the plague or... or male repellent or something and..."

That was when Saffie found she couldn't talk anymore, finally run out of words, and what she didn't realise was her eyes had started tearing up as she purged herself on some man that was likely to run away as far as he could thanks to her stupid rambling. A part of her couldn't help but hope that maybe he'd kiss her first before he left just so she could know what it felt like.

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Clayton listened to her name, finding that it wasn’t the exact name that the girl from before had called her. ‘Sapphire’, his wolf told him gruffly from somewhere in his head. Of course, the girl was named Sapphire and Saffie was her name. It made enough sense when he thought about it, but found that he was thinking a lot more about how she seemed to be affected by his touch, his voice, everything about him.

It wasn’t something new to him, as he was used to getting attention from females and used to them having a certain reaction to his closeness. Yet, her reactions caused him to pay even more attention to her features that seemed to grow more and more beautiful the longer her was next to her. That, and her scent was becoming even clearer to him. He wondered how she would look at him if he was to just lean in close to her and breathe in her scent that his wolf was getting more and more interested in the longer it smelled it, her.

Then, she began to tell him her story. His eyebrows furrowed as she continued to tell him her sad tale, which had him staring at her in contemplation. Most men would have run, but his wolf was only interested in keeping her close. His hand moved to her cheek, cupping it lightly as she finished speaking, unable to stop the movement. Tears had gathered in her lovely eyes, making him wish to punish anyone who had ever hurt her if she would only tell him the names.

However, she needed comfort, and that much he could provide her. His thumb ran over any tears that dropped from her eyes, gently moving over her face in a comforting motion. “They were idiots then,” Clay replied. Yet, another part of him was glad no one had ever touched her, as he would have to hunt them down and make sure they never got it into their heads to go near her again. The dominant side of his wolf was happy she wasn’t taken by anyone else, wanting to claim her immediately and show to everyone just how much they missed out on.

His jaw ticked as he held the wolf back and leaned his head forward, unable to stop from getting his face closer to hers. He breathed in deeply and his crooked grin widened. Her scent was intoxicating, and his wolf was getting more and more possessive of it. Before he could stop himself, his lips descended upon hers, touching them softly before a rough growl left him and he tilted her head farther back in a quick, eager movement. Clayton’s lips pressed against hers and a hand moved to her back so that when he leaned forward, he could feel her body pressed against his.

The kiss was his claim, saying to anyone who was taking notice of him that he wanted her, and that no one was to go near her. He pulled away from the heated kiss and nuzzled her cheek, his wolf right at the surface of his mind, making whining noises at the end of the kiss. It didn’t want to move away from her, but he forced himself to let her go and lean back on his heels. Except, he didn’t run. Instead, he held out his hand for her.

“Come,” he instructed her with a look that said that he was waiting for her to accept him as much as his wolf and he had already accepted her. She had no clue how badly his wolf wanted to show all the other males his claim on her. It was a maddening feeling that was moving through him, making it harder and harder to control himself reasonably. If she was to reject him then, he knew he would easily lose control of himself and his wolf. The wolf had decided who it wanted and it wasn’t going to be changing its mind, it never would. The stubborn beast knew who was his destined mate and knew that there was no other that could satisfy him. It was a stunning realization, yet Clay did not object to any of it.

He had been waiting for his mate, for her for such a long time. He only wanted to have her in his arms and show her exactly what over a hundred years of built of frustration could be turned into.

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Saffie found herself unable to tear her gaze away from his eyes, even as she felt the wonderment of his hand cupping her cheek. Hers! She'd read about seduction, heard about it, even seen it applied to other people yet she found herself wondering if this was seduction? Is this what it is? Is this what it is supposed to feel like? She certainly had a fluttering in her belly, and although she could still say no to a great many things if she didn't want to do it, a part of her did just want to do what this man, Clayton, asked of her just to keep him in her company a little longer. She bit her bottom lip, her lips turning up into a shy smile when he mentioned that all the guys that had never paid her any attention were idiots. Perhaps he was just saying what she wanted to hear but she couldn't help but like it anyway.

"Does that mean you're not an idiot?"

She found herself saying before she could even think about it or stop herself. Saffie immediately blushed afterwards, cursing herself for being so direct and blunt. Especially since she knew any moment this dream bubble of a moment could pop and disappear. She didn't want to make it pop prematurely at all. She wanted to prolong it as much as possible.

Then she noticed he was leaning closer towards her. Closer. Still closer. So much closer that she realised their faces were going to touch any second and that this might just be her first ever kiss...

Saffie's eyes closed as his lips met hers and she could have sworn her heart skipped a beat. It was like a gentle pressure the kiss, soft and warm. She felt so very warm. She was sure her blush must be a whole new shade of red by this point. Then the kiss deepened, she felt his hand on her back to press their bodies closer together, and her hands instinctively went into his hair and gripped, pulling him closer as she simply went along for the ride and tried her best to copy how he was kissing her. She was sure she was hopeless though as she had no idea how to kiss a man properly and surely she had to be so clumsy. His body felt so hard against her softer one and she liked it. More then liked it. He could probably tell as well.

It seemed to end as quickly as it begun for Saffie and when he pulled away she found herself whimpering instinctively as her head moved forwards as if to get another one. Realising what she was doing she backed her head away only a bit, opening her eyes as she looked at Clayton who was most definitely her first ever kiss. She was sure he must have ruined her for all other men because surely no one could ever compare to him. Saffie sighed softly as she felt him nuzzle her cheek. Every instinct she knew told her to claim him and never let him go.

Come? 'What does he mean by come?' Saffie thought, her gaze drifting from his eyes to notice his hand was stretched out towards her. Without thinking she placed her hand in his before standing up only to notice in the corner of her eye the figure of her sister doing what she knew was her 'happy dance'. It was embarassing, endearing, and funny all at the same time. Then she realised something. If he meant leave with him to go wherever he lived then she couldn't. She couldn't leave her family behind. What would they do without her?

"Where do you want to go? I've got my sister here with me to look after and my three other siblings as well as ill father back in Blackbriar Moor to get back to. I can't just abandon them."

What Saffie didn't say that being with him was something that she really wanted, so much that it was tempting to just leave with him and forget her responsibilities. However her family, whom she deemed her real Pack, was the most important thing to her. If he wanted to be with her, and she didn't understand why such an amazing man - who sure was an phenominal kisser -, then he would have to have room for her family in his Pack.

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His wolf made an eager noise in Clayton’s mind when the brilliant woman, Saffie as she called herself, accepted his outstretched hand. Still, she paused as she seemed to realize something very important. Her words made his eyebrows furrow and he was surprised as she brought up the name Blackbriar. Though he had no outward response to the name, his wolf snarled in his head at the very mention of it. She had not a clue who he really was, if her eyes said anything. If only she knew who he was, then surely she would think twice about wanting to be with him.

Memories of the war that had gone on between them flitted in his head. He had fought and killed many in his own desire to claim more and more. He needed to show that he wasn’t some weak, abandoned pup. So, he destroyed so many lives, trying to claim their land for himself and his pack who followed behind him eagerly.

Clay still wanted this woman, but worried about her finding about his pack. So, he chuckled, pulling her against his chest in an easy movement. His head moved to her neck, taking in her smell happily while nuzzling against her skin. His body pressed against her, the smell of her rubbing off on him and the smell of him rubbing off on her. It was only a part of what his wolf wanted in the form of claiming, but it was enough to keep the beast sated for that moment in time. His lips pressed into her neck, enjoying the softness and kissing against it lightly.

A rough noise escaped him, more like a wolf’s possessive growl as he pulled his head away from her neck and looked down on her with hungry eyes. “Well, I was first thinking about taking you on a walk around here, and very well showing every single male here what they missed out on for so long, in their ignorance and stupidity. I’ll show them that I am the only smart one in the bunch of muscle-brained fools. We can talk about details concerning living arrangements at another time, but your family is welcome to come to my pack anytime they wish. You need only to ask,” he explained, voice dark and deep. It reverberated in his chest with husky undertones and a no-nonsense way that said he was telling the truth and that he wouldn’t stand for lies.

Before he could think better of it, his mouth was on hers again, claiming her lips as his own, and pulling her body so that it was flush against his, leaving no room for air. A growl left him as he kissed her deeper, wolf making whimpering noises in his mind, encouraging him with no reservations. Yet, after a long moment he pulled away to kiss at her jaw, her neck. That was where he paused and chuckled. “Would you like to walk now?” he asked calmly, as if he hadn’t been kissing her as if she was already his and as if they were already alone in a secluded area.

He pulled his head away from her neck to look down at her with dark eyes and a crooked grin full of promises of how much he would rather have her then and there instead of walking. His hand brushed against her hair, unraveling the pilate while he waited, so that he could run his fingers in her hair, enjoying the feeling of it.

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"Oh!"

Saffie gasped in surprise as she collided with his chest. He was just so strong and now there was no space between them. This almost felt like an outer body experience as she was finding it hard to believe this was really happening to her, he really genuinely liked her, and she wasn't dreaming. She sighed softly as he nuzzled her neck again. She found herself wondering if he had a strong liking of necks or if he was sticking to safe territory to gently introduce her to the pleasures a man and Mate can provide. Saffie inhaled his scent at his neck, enjoying the heady feeling she felt at his scent. Of course it could just be that she had been denied such a closeness to a man that now she was experiencing it she was just feeling overwhelmed.

If she hadn't been overwhelmed before then she definitely was after his speech. He was saying everything she had ever wanted to hear. The hopeless romantic in her was squealing with delight and wanted this to last forever. However the sceptical part was wondering if this was truly real and if maybe this was all a joke or he was just using her to get something. She would have considered that Emmie paid him to do this but Emmie was too good of a person to do such a thing. Before she could ask why he seemed to want her so much so suddenly, after all he didn't really know her yet, his lips were on hers again. Saffie was lost to the kiss, her mind turned off and somehow he'd parted her lips. The kiss was so intense, so passionate, that she found herself out of breath when he finally pulled away to kiss at her neck and jaw. This was crazy, it was so sudden, and yet her heart just wanted her to go with it and ignore all her nagging doubts.

"Mister Clayton... Hughes! Yes, Mister Hughes, I don't understand what is going on. Its like you've stepped out of one of my, and every woman's, dreams. You want me so much or at least it looks like it and I find myself doubting if its real. If this is a joke or you want to use me for something and I just need to know what is going on. A part of me is telling me to ignore all my doubts and just go with all this but I've spent thirty years with no man ever paying me any attention. Why are you?"

Saffie asked, pleaded, needing to know this was real and she wouldn't suddenly end up hurt by him. Despite her doubts she found herself brushing her hands gently over his broad shoulders, trying to memorise the feel of him incase this ended up going badly. She ran her hands over his back, finding it easy to feel every muscle despite the shirt he wore. She loved his clothes. His unbuttoned shirt so she could see his chest and the tight black trousers that left nothing to the imagination. Sometimes it looked like his clothes would just rip at the seams if he so much as moved. He really did look like he had stepped out of a novel. Could she just be this lucky? Could her years of nothing be fated as she was meant for something more?

Perhaps even if this wasn't real she could take him home so Ruby could draw a picture of him so she'd have something if he disappeared. Ruby really was an exceptional artist and if anyone could draw a perfect likeness of Clayton then it would be her. Of course it would probably be worth it to go along with his ruse, if it was a ruse, just for the kisses alone. They made her toes curl, a shiver to run down her spine and butterflies in her belly. It made her feem warm, wanted and special. He never hesitated in his kisses, they so far had felt genuine, and she wanted more of it. Maybe they could spend time just sitting together, talking and kissing. She would definitely be happy with just kissing Clayton for the rest of their lives. She still felt warm from his kisses and she didn't think that feeling was going to go anywhere any time soon.

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She felt so good pressed against his body, his wolf making noises in his mind, pacing, trying to get him to take her anywhere they could be alone. His tail was thumping against the ground and whines were leaving the beast. It was hard to ignore the fact that his own mind was on trying to get her alone as well. If she came to his pack, she would know who he was and what their past was. Yet, would she know the whole truth? Yes, he would tell her. After all, she was his mate and he’d be damned if he didn’t let her know everything she wanted to know. He would answer any questions that left her, anything to make her stay with him. His wolf needed her and he found that he needed her as well. Just the scent of Saffie was making his mouth water slightly as he breathed it in again and again.

He blinked as she tried to figure out what to call him and then started in on something that had his eyebrows furrowing. It seemed to simple in his mind that he didn’t understand her confusion. When she had finished talking, and seemed to be waiting for his response he chuckled lowly. “Why do I want you? You’re mine, that’s why,” he stated, as if it was so very simple. To him, it was so simple and he wasn’t going to be denied his mate. He moved his mouth to her ear and exhaled, his warm breath brushing against her skin and causing a few pieces of hair to sway back.

“If any male had paid attention to you before, I would probably hunt them down and make sure that they never came around again, because you are mine. Though, I find that I am quite content knowing that I was your first kiss, the first man to touch you, to kiss every inch of you until you are quivering underneath me,” he stated as a low growl of possession left him again, an echo of what his wolf was doing in his head. His his rocked forward against her, showing exactly how very serious he was by what she was causing to occur in his leather pants.

His mouth moved to nibble at her ear, playing with it. When he pulled away, he licked his lips, eyes demanding that she agree that she was his. “You are mine,” he stated again, his eyes flaring with possession and desire. He ran his hand through her hair again, his eyes staying right on hers and looking incredibly serious. “Come,” he stated again, and with that, took her hand and began to lead her forward.

He didn’t give her a moment to think about declining his offer, instead walking with a confident stride and his hand wrapped easily around hers. Any male who wasn’t busy with impressing a female, and even those who did, turned and looked at his approach. Verneer always said it was the aura around him that caused people to turn and look. It was the aura of a blood wolf, of a born alpha.

No one could deny what he was, no one. They turned their attention to Saffie, shock appearing on some of the men’s faces. He recognized a few of them from Regionals, and chuckled to himself. Some were coughing with eyes bugging out of their heads, unable to comprehend what they were witnessing.

Surely there were females giving Saffie jealous looks, but not once did Clayton pay even the smallest speck of attention to them. His wolf had found what it wanted and was not going to be swayed. She was his. From the way she smelled, and the way her voice made him snap to attention, to the way she tasted and how her body felt pressed against his. Oh, and the way she looked made his wolf more excited than he would let on. He turned, walking backwards, his wolf wanting to watch her as she walked, eyes dark and eager. “Mine,” he stated again, loud enough that anyone around them would be able to hear it.

Anyone stupid enough to not realize what he felt towards her by then knew by that single, serious proclamation that he was claiming her. His thumb rubbed over her wrist, unable to not stroke her skin softly, knowing she was his and hoping she wouldn’t object to his claim. His wolf wanted to hear her say that she was his, as if the creature was dependent upon that like air. Another whine left the beast in his head as it waited to see her face at his announcement.

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His response was so very primal. It could be called caveman-like and try as she might she couldn't help but like it. Saffie had wanted a more articulate response. Something to explain this strong connection between them but it seemed like whatever was the cause of it was so strong that it was fogging up his mind until he could only speak as crudely and simple as he was right now. She knew she probably shouldn't go with him, after all he didn't seem like he was quite in control of his faculties right now but a part of her wanted to anyway. Saffie didn't want anything to go too fast. She didn't want to end up with any mistakes. She'd never experienced the courting process and definitely wanted the chance to experience romance and be swept off her feet before they marked each other as Mates infront of their Packs and families, signalling they were bond together, faithful to each other, for the rest of their lives. After experiencing all that she could probably summon up the courage to let him see what no one else had before, to let him in, but she couldn't right now despite the fact her whole body shivered and eyes fluttered closed as he mentioned kissing her and the word 'quivering' sending her vivid imagination into overdrive.

Deciding that if she wanted at least some answers she'd have to speak in the manner he was, Saffie enquired about one more thing.

"If I am yours, are you mine?"

After all if she was going to be his at some point, to be faithful to him, and all it entails then she'd expect the same of him too. Saffie sighed in slightly fond exasperation as he stated for her to 'come' again. Resigned to the fact that for now she was going to experience his very dominant, commanding side (and hoping he had more to him then that as she was not going to be ordered around the rest of her life) she held his hand and followed him across the field.

She noticed a lot of people stopped and stared as they past. Of course they would stare at Clayton with admiration and longing in Saffie's opinion but all she could see as they looked her way was 'how on earth did someone like that end up with a dreamboat like him?'. She felt extremely uncomfortable and in the end settled her gaze on the path infront of her so she didn't trip over anything.

Her gaze shot up however as she noticed his body change position only to find he was now walking backwards whilst staring at her with this dark gaze that for the life of her she couldn't interpret. A blush fluttered over her once paling cheeks as he once again made it clear she was his by saying 'Mine' loud enough for everyone in earshot to hear. She liked it, of course she did. What woman didn't want to hear the man of their dreams claim her so openly? She felt nervous though, he was so confident and didn't hesitate in anything he did. What if he wanted more then she could offer right now? Would it be some kind of deal breaker?

She really needed to know more about him.

"Are you an Alpha, Mister Hughes?"

Saffie decided to ask, thinking it was good as question as any to lead onto others about his life, family, Pack, and himself. Perhaps this walk would be revealing and put her fears to rest. Maybe, just maybe, she was good enough to be genuinely wanted.

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He began to laugh as she asked him if he was an alpha, as if it was the funniest thing he had ever heard. His eyes grew light as he tried to focus on answering her question. With another chuckle he nodded his head towards her. “Yes, Saffie I am most definitely an alpha,” he replied with a glint in his eyes that said he thought her question was still quite humorous. “Yes, I am yours as much as you are mine. My wolf would have it no other way. Oh, and would you please stop calling me Mister Hughes and just settle on Clayton. We would much prefer it,” he explained, brushing by each topic as if it was a no-brainer in each category. He even referenced his wolf absentmindedly, knowing that they both had their own opinions on a lot of things. However, on the topic of his name and of her they were in agreement.

His wolf growled whenever she called him Mister Hughes, as if he was something formal to her rather than her mate. The wolf inside him bristled, wanting to hear her call him by his first name and none of the nonsense about last names and etiquette. “What about you? What do they rank you in your pack?” he asked her calmly, eyes moving to the way she walked and the way her hips swayed a bit in every movement. His eyes lit up and a crooked smile grew wider and wider on his face. His hands wished to touch her, but he held himself back. She seemed to want to ask questions, to get to know him and for him to get to know her.

Perhaps to anyone else he was moving fast, but he had no other options and had been waiting for her for such a long time. His wolf longed for her touch, knowing he could have no one else and that the thought of having someone else was preposterous. Clayton couldn’t imagine touching anyone else.

A Blood wolf mated for life, and he couldn’t have anyone else or the options. His wolf wanted one female and that female was walking with him, her voice like music to his ears. If she only knew what possessive thoughts the beast in his mind was having she would be blushing once more, like she had again and again in his presence. He licked his lips at the thought of her face as he touched her for the first time, all the frustration inside him backed up over years.

He moved up a hill, knowing that was where her sister was and his wolf wanted to claim Saffie to her sister as well. His wolf wished to have all her family there, her entire pack, despite the fact that most of them hated him, so that he could claim her for his own. The urge to make her his, totally and undeniably, was making his wolf howl in his head. The poor thing was moving in his mind, anxious and waiting for the moment where she became just his, the moment where she was bonded to him for the rest of their lives.

“You, of course, are welcome to ask me anything you wish to know,” he added, knowing that he was being commanding, but he couldn’t help it. Both sides of Clayton, the wolf and the human male side wanted her, needed to know she would listen to them when it counted. As he felt a gaze of a male sneering at her, a low, snarl left him and his eyes got a slight reddish tint to the darkness as his wolf side came to defend his mate instinctively. The male instantly stumbled back, eyes wide and the scent of fear rolling off him in waves. Clayton bared his teeth, which even in his human form was threatening, and the male quickly fled. A huff left his wolf before he turned his attention back onto Saffie, as if nothing had happened.

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