Full Moon on the Lake (6 page)

“I’m sorry; I am getting you all wet.” She let go of him and looked into his golden eyes.  “I am just so confused with all of this.  I know you are a man, but, right now I feel like I am talking to a dog.” She giggled nervously.

Jacob growled softly. “Yes, I know you’re a wolf.” She laughed half-heartedly. Jacob wagged his tail and she laughed again. Jacob loved the way she laughed andand he licked her face impishly hoping to continue her laughter.

“Ewwe, stop that!” She laughed again as she stood. Jacob ran around her in a circle teasing Kate into a full-blown laugh. Feeling some of the weigh flow off her shoulders Kate reached down, rubbed the top of his head, and scratched his ear. 

“Jacob, I don’t know what to do. I know they say you are my mate. I understand, kinda but, I can’t be.” Kate let go and started pacing, “I just don’t want anyone right now.  I amam not ready.  I don’t know if I can trust anyone or even myself. I don’t even know if I can even trust myself to love again or if I can even love someoene.” She turned her back to him and started to walk toward the cabin. “I just need Some time to…” She had taken two steps when she heard a growl, low and deep.  She froze.

Turning slowly back around she saw Jacob facing her, the hair on his neck raised.  He looked mad like an angry rabid wolf. “Jacob?” She asked fearfully taking a cautious step back.  He growled deeper. “Jacob!?  Please Stop you’re scaring me.” He took a step forward growling deeper and quietly. Is head low to the ground as he stalked her. She took slow steps back trying to keep the distance between them, holding her hands in front of her trying to ward him off.  Then, without thinking, she turned abruptly and ran.  Jacob growled and took chase.  She Screamed, “Jacob STOP!”  She had not gone far when he knocked her to the ground screaming.

Rolling over she looked up to see Jacob moving to standstand over her, his teeth bared. “Jacob?” she whispered frightened, “Please don’t.”  However, he did not seem to hear her, his eyes glazed and red with determination.. Jacob moved his face closer to her face, and she started shaking and closed her eyes. She could feel his hot breath on her cheek and neckneck and could not move, she could not breathe.  Just when she thought she would pass out from the lack of air, she heard the growling in stereo. 

Kate slowly opened her eyes in terror. Jacob was still above her but he was looking to the right of her. Very slowly, she turned her head to see the other wolf, a very large grey wolf a few feet away circling behind Jacob. She looked between Jacob and this other wolf, who was it?  Derrick! She thought suddenly. She just knew unexpectedly, did not know why or how she did, but she knew the grey wolf was Derrick.  Then the realization dawned on her, ‘Oh shit’, she was between two wolves and they were angry, Jacob protective, possessive, they going to fight.

Jacob turned cautiously, moving out from over Daniela facing the grey wolf stepping a little further away; placingplacing himself between Daniela and the wolf. Another wolf, brown, walked out from behind a tree to the left, then another right behind Daniela.  This one was light gray, slightly smaller than the others were, and stopped beside her;; the wolf glanced at Daniela as if to say ‘don’t move.’ How Daniela knew this she did not know but she would obey. Daniela nodded slightly and stood slowly, as the wolf moved forward pushing Jacob to step back further.  Placing her body between Daniela and Jacob. If Daniela were not so frightened, she would have had time to analyze the fact she understood the thoughts of all the wolves there. That it was not that she just seem to know, but that she was receiving and understanding the thoughts projected to her.

Jacob’s wolf continued becomingbecoming frustrated at being systematically surrounded by the other wolves, of being separated from his mate. He knewknew the larger wolf beingbeing the biggest threat and continued to face Derrick as the other two flanked him.  He knew where they were. Jacob’s wolf was unhappy at being cut off from Daniela growled his frustration.  She was his; his mate, his wolf would not give Jacob back control easily and he fought within himself.  The human partpart of him knew these were pack mates, yet his wolf would not listen.  ‘She was his’; this was all that the wolf understood, ‘His mate.’ His wolf was angry that he was being methodically partedparted from her, being moved further away.  Angry hehe pounced on the gray wolf; ‘if he could just take care of him the others would be easy to intimidate’intimidate’.

Daniela watched terrified as Jacob and Derrick fought.  The other two wolves stood between her and the fighting but it was the most horrible thing she had witnessed. The sounds of the fighting, so primal, so powerful.  Dirt, leaves, and twigs sprayed up into the air as each push the other back, trying to gain the upper hand. The growling so loud she covered her ears. Unable to close her eyes to the site, she watched horrified as she watched fur fly. She started forward, not sure what she could do. One-step was all she managed as one of the wolves beside her stepped in front of her, blocking her from moving forward. She never noticed what had stopped her, her mind so numb at the site she stopped unable to consider how to get around the wolf. So numb and engrossed she never even considered the fact that she should not have moved in the first place. Therefore, she just stood and watched.

Her legs slowly lost feeling as the fighting continued, the growling, the barking the anger projected into the clearing became overwhelming and she sunk to the ground. Daniela felt so lost, “How can I stop this?” she spoke through her thoughts in a whisper.  “This is my fault.” She analyzed sadly to herself but the wolves around her heard.

The smaller gray wolf turned guardedly and looked at Daniela her eyes sad but determined. She looked over her shoulder at the fighting then nudged Daniela to stand. Standing slowly, carefully she watched never taking one eye off the fight.  Jacob was lifted by Darrick’s powerful muzzle and thrown against a tree. There was a loud thud and crack and he slid down the bark of the tree, as leaves loosened from the impact, followed him down.  When Daniela finally stood up her first instinct was to help Jacob. The grey wolf nudged her leg and shook it’s head, then pushing herher took a step toward the cabin then looked up at Daniela.  Daniela followed reluctantly.  She looked behind her as she walked slowly away.  Jacob shook off the fall and growled at Derrick then pounced.  She realized grudgingly she could only wish she could stop the fighting.  Daniela noticed the brown wolf had moved between the fighting wolves and them, the retreating pair.

Tears streamed down her face as she followed the wolf toward the cabin.  The trail blurry and unfocused. Why had she picked here to hide? If she could have gone anywhere else this mess would not have happened. Jacob would be safe and she would not be so confused.  This was truly her fault.

Derrick knew this was going to be a long fight; he just did not like the idea of fighting one of his own. Let alone a friend he had known since childhood.  Derrick was Alpha and knew the strength of his friend, yet in his present state of mind Derrick knew Jacob; this was going to be a harder fight.  He was unpredictable, determined and erratic in his present frame of mind. He just did not want to hurt him too badly, knowing they were both going to be hurt. ‘Damn him for not listening.’ Derrick thought when Jacob leaped. Derrick was ready.

Jacob’s wolf aimed for the throat hoping to get this over with, but Derrick was prepared.  Jacob wolf wanted to finish the mating and they were in his way.  It did not matter if she was ready or not, his wolf told him, she was his, his mate.  Jacob fought with his wolf trying to reason, but they both shared the same emotional need and it was hard to disagree. It didn’t mater if it was logical or not she was his mate and they needed to mate now. As far as jacob’s wolf was concerned Derrick was a rival and needed to be put in his place, and out of the picture when it came to Daniela.

Jacob the human knew that Derrick loved Kyla with his heart, mind and soul and that there would never be another for him ever.  Jacob the wolf knew that Alpha’s can have more than one mate and he would not have his. No matter what.

Derrick swiped at Jacob’s side knocking him over. Jacob rolled and stood, attacking again. Growls roared from both as they fought. Derrick knocking him down repeatedly but Jacob would not yield. Jacob got in a few good swipes and Derrick would have enjoyed the sparing if it was not for the fact this was for real.  He knew Jacob was only partially aware in this presence of mind and he would wait for Jacob to realize what he was doing. This mating was going to take its toll on all of them. He would not hurt him too badly but he could not let Jacob get the upper hand. Derrick would just let Jacob wear himself out then give him a good reminder as to why he should have obeyed the alpha.

Thomas watched in his wolf form wondering if anything he could do to stop the fight.  Twigs snapped as they rolled.  Leaves crunched. Jacob growled low and pounced on Derrick, then rolled as Derrick getting the upper hand, swiped hitting his head and growled back.  Thomas shivered at the sounds of two alpha’s fighting. Jacob used his feet pushing Derrick off him. Derrick turned, gripped Jacob by his neck with his powerful jaws push off the ground enough to lift him off his feet and threwhim against a tree.

Thomas Moved between The alphas fighting and the retreating pair as Jacob shook off the hit, lowered himself and launched at the alpha.  He doubted Jacob would notice them leaving in his present state of mind. But; in his present state of mind Thomas would take no chances.

As Kate got closer to the cabin, Kyla stepped out from the trail in front of her. “Are you alright?”  Kate nodded.  Kyla looked down at the wolf, “I have her Serena, thank you.” The wolf nodded then took off running toward the clearing where Kate noticed tents were set up and disappeared inside one.   Kyla placed her hand on Kate’s shaking shoulder, “Come on let’s get you inside.” Escorted her back to the cabin.

Kyla closed the door as Kate sat down in the closest chair.  She looked up to Kyla, “That was my fault wasn’t it?” she asked begging Kyla to say otherwise. 

“It was and wasn’t.” Kyla sat next to her. “You still do not understand how the mating works.  You cannot go wandering off by yourself.  Jacob is not himself and because of how severe it is getting and as fast as it happened we are not sure yet just how violent he may get.” She looked Daniela in the face, “He would never intentionally hurt you, and it would kill him if he did.  But; he is not in his right mind and we need to protect him from himself.”

5

Kate thought about what happen and what Kyla said had made sense.  Jacob had changed from a playful pup to a dangerous wolf in just a breath of time.  The way he just showed up. How did he know where to find her?  In addition, he seemed to know she needed comfort. How did he even know she was upset? She needed answers to so many questions. She need to figure out where she was in all of this. Kate shivered remembering the sounds the wolves made when they fought. She never wanted to hear that again so Kate formed her first question and asked, “What do I need to do?” 

Kyla patted her hand and smiled.  “First, we need to make dinner there are going to be some very hungry wolves in a little while.  Then we will have trouble!” Kyla laughed as they both got up from the table. “Do you cook?” Kyla asked questioningly. 

Kate giggled, “I love to cook! You all have done so much how about I cook and you can be my sous chef?”

“Deal!” Kyla laughed. The door opened and they turned apprehensively to see Serena standing in the doorway.  Both busted out laughing as Serena looked from one to the other confused as Kate announced the potato prep had arrived.

Kate took charge looking around the small kitchen then looked questioningly back at the other two, “How many are we feeding?” 

Kyla looked at Serena and back at Daniela, “Hummm; an army?” 

Kate looked at the counter, opened the refrigerator and replied, “Houston, we gotta problem!” 

Kyla laughed then turned pulling her phone out of her pocket.  “I will call for more food and reinforcements!” 

Kate clapped her hands together, “Good thing I have lots of wood stored,” getting into cooking mode Kate turned to Serena, “Serena there is a large fire pit over towards the lake we will cook there.  Can you get a fire started?” 

Serena looked at Kate with one eyebrow raised, “Yes.” she said seriously and just as Kate thought, she had offended Serena she burst out laughing.

Kate let the women know she was going behind the cabin to the shed, “I saw a large grate with legs in the shed, the previous owners must have had parties out here.” Everyone got busy planning.

Jacob tried once more to get a hold of Derrick to gain the upper hand but his wolf was getting tired.  Derrick saw his opportunity and took full advantage, gripping Jacob's neck with his teeth and held on tight waiting for him to submit. Jacob exhausted finally relented and lowered himself baring his neck in submission.  When the alpha let go of Jacob, he looked up at his alpha in defeat. Derrick stood changing back and started to walk back to the cabin, Jacob and Thomas followed. Derrick slowed slightly and let Jacob catch up beside him.  When Jacob walked with his head down and quiet Derrick bumped is shoulder with his to let him know there was no hard feelings,

“We will get through this.”

Jacob Sighed. “I know but it would be so much easier to take you serious right now if we were wearing clothes.”

Derrick Chuckled, turned slightly and headed to the tents and available clothes so they could change.  Derrick entered a tent and shifted; looking through the knapsacks, he threw a pair of sweats to Jacob and Thomas and pulled a pair on himself.  He then turned toward Jacob hands on hips ready to reprimand him for disobeying his orders.

“Jacob,” Derrick Started, “I’m waiting.” Thomas turned and stepped out of the tent to give them some semblance of privacy. 

Jacob shook his head, “All I knew is that there was something wrong and I had to get to her. I don’t know what I was thinking.” 

“You weren’t!” Derrick stated in his most powerful voice, “This is why you are to stay where you are under guard, you could have really hurt her.” Derrick brushed his hand through his hair frustrated trying to calm down the anger from being disobeyed; to that of a concerned friend.  “We don’t yet know how dangerous this is going to get. If this fight is any indication, we are in for a very hard time of it. You as you go through this and the pack as we try to understand and protect you both. You need to control your wolf now more than ever.  Do NOT let him get control from you again! You are not a pup!” 

Jacob looked forlorn, “Yes Sir.” He said nodding agreement. 

“Good!” Derrick ended the reprimand, “We need to go to the cabin, you have apologies to make and it sounds as if the women are going to need our help.” He patted Jacob on the back and led him out of the tent. “Don’t make me chain you Jacob.” He added as a warning.  Thomas followed behind as they walked to the back of the cabin.  They stopped suddenly stunned, where there was a very lovely leg floating in midair out of the shed door.

Daniela grunted as she pulled as hard as she could to get the grate loose, but it was heavier than she had expected and it would not budge.  She lifted one leg to lean forward to get a better grip, and yanked with all she was worth.  It slid very slightly then she lost her grip and landed on her butt. Frustrated she slammed her fist to the ground and growled staring up at the grate.  She startled when she heard a snicker behind her.

“I see what you see in her.” Thomas said laughing. 

Jacob growled at him, reached down and picked her up. “What are you doing?” he asked angrily then remembered his need to apologize. Changing tactics looked at her expressing regret for earlier with the boyish look in his eyes. 

“Trying to make dinner!” she said frustrated, looking back at him uncertain. 

“In the Shed!?”  Thomas asked.

“No!  I can’t get this grate out to take to the fire pit to cook on.”

She touched the grate with both hands and yanked harder trying to pull it out again only to lose her grip falling against Jacob’s muscled chest. He steadied her holding her firmly around the waist enveloping her in his arms. She looked up into his face getting lost in the depth of the gold eyes and the emotions she saw there. Her fingers moved to touch the creases around his eyes and she inhaled deeply breathing in his scent feeling warm and protected in his arms. ‘This is where he wanted to be’, he thought as his gazed into her eyes leaning into her touch. His wolf calmed, his heart raced. His mind blanked to onlythe two of them.

Thomas feeling this was ridiculous, and a bit uncomfortable watching them pushed his way passed to get to the grate, “I’ll get it!” 

Derrick, being a little faster, pushed Jacob and Daniela apart announced, “We will all get it and bring it to the pit, you go on ahead Daniela.”  Giving Jacob a stern look letting him know it was a command not a suggestion.  Daniela blushed and turned hurrying back around the cabin.

Kyla looked up as Daniela came around the corner, “Where’s the grate?” noticing the flush on her face asked, “What happened are you ok?” 

Daniela blush brightened as she heading for the cabin not looking at Kyla, “The guys are getting it, I am going to get the stuff set up.” She said walking through the door.  Kyla stood looking at the now empty doorway confused until she heard male grunting coming from around the side of the cabin, then smiled knowingly.

Daniela walked out with a basket full of food she had prepared while hiding out in the cabin for the last thirty minutes, in her arms. She had been trying to sort out what was happening to her.  Feeling like this just do not pop up as strong as she was feeling this fast. How could she have forgotten there were others around when she fell into Jacob? How could her mind freeze up like that so focused on the one thing not noticing her surroundings? She had never been that unfocused.  So lost in her thoughts she almost missed the last step as she looked up around her. She was not prepared, for all the people that had shown up in that short amount of time.

A car stopped in front of her and five people stepped out, one took the basket from her overloaded hands smiling, as another asked if there was more to go out.  She nodded and pointed to the cabin, bewildered.  Walking down to the lake with her arms now only half full, followed by the others carrying the rest of the food and supplies. She realized, there would be no more hiding out in the cabin.

She approached the fire now burnt down perfectly to amber coals and ready for cooking. Looking around Kate saw there were tables and chairs being set up around the area, people were on the dock romping around pushing each other into the water and there were still more people already swimming in the lake.  She stood astounded looking around at all the people and the changes to her once quiet property.

Leisa and Kyla were setting up a table that was quickly filling up with food others brought, like a buffet table. Jasmine walked behind her,

“Someone mentions BBQ and the whole pack goes nuts!” she laughed.  “Doesn’t hurt that there is a new member of the pack to bring out the curious either.”  “Come on heard you were cooking I’ll show you what we have.” Jasmine said looking sympathetically.

The night was not going as bad as Daniela thought it was going to be. Many of the women helped prepare the food following Daniela’s instructions, while Daniela cooked the seasoned steaks, chicken, pork and hot dogs for the kids.  She put everything on in order of heat, pork first and furthest from the heat turning it constantly. A girl introduced herself as Alice, asked her lots of cooking questions, which, while explaining why certain spices went on which meat and the reason to slow cook the pork, more women came to listen. The older ones nodding in agreement, letting Daniela have her fun.  Daniela was in her element.

When all the meats were cooked, she put the hot dogs on while everyone helped put the meat on platters and took them to the table. Hot dogs came off as the last person left with the last of the steaks and Kyla whistled.  Everyone gather and sat at the tables, Kyla lead Daniela to the head table to sit between her and Jasmine. When everyone sat down, Derrick rose from the seat on the other side of Kyla and the noise dissipated as everyone went quiet.

“As you know we have a new neighbor who has graciously cooked us this wonderful feast!”  Rowdy cheers rang out all around causing Daniela to blush as Derrick continued, calming the group as he spoke. “With the help of the every woman here, we will eat well tonight.  Daniela,” He turned introducing her to the pack.  “Although this may look like our entire pack,” He paused as others laughed. “It is not. I assure you we welcome you to our pack with open arms.” He finished spreading his arms wide indicating the whole of the pack. 

Everyone clapped and yelled their agreement. Daniela felt welcome already but to be the center of attention; she blushed glanced down from watching Derrick speak and her eyes landed on Jacob.  His eyes were lit up with pride. In her? He nodded once and smiled as if he heard her thoughts.

Derrick after gaining momentary control again continued, “Let’s eat.”  “Oh, and let be on our best behavior!”  At this, everyone at the head table rose and walked over to the buffet.  Daniela just sat there confused as to what to do.  Jacob walked over and held his hand out to her.  Derrick started to protest but Kyla grabbed his arm and pulled him away before he could speak. 

“No one will eat if you don’t get your food dear.” He looked down at her and realized there were enough people here to help keep Jacob in line shook his head at Kyla’s manipulations, grabbed up a plate and filled it.

The laughter and friendship filled the air as everyone ate and visited with each other.  Daniela watched noting the camaraderie was more like a large family than it was a small community.  She smiled feeling she belonged here, but not quite sure just where she belonged. She had never felt so happy being anywhere before and yet strangely out of place too.  For the first time in what seemed like forever, she did feel it was home. When everyone ate more than what Daniela had thought anyone could eat the women got up clearing off the buffet table, only for others to bring large coolers of fruits, pastries, pies and cakes and set them out.  A separate plate of cakes, pastries and pies where set at the head table as well as a bowl of fruit.

Some of the men had left coming back with two very large coolers filled with beer and wines setting them down to either side of the table.  The younger men gathered large platters filling them with the bottled wines and beers. Daniela realizing they were going to serve started to rise to help.

Jasmine set a hand on hers to keep her from rising whispered, “This is how the men thank us for the great meal.” She giggled mischief in her eyes, “Watch.”

The men attached or mated served the women they loved first; it was strange to watch especially when Derrick got up to serve Kyla.  Daniela could see the love in their eyes, mate to the mates they were devoted to. The unattached males took care of the unmated women and the younger men served the younger women.  Even the kids followed suit as young boys served the young girls.

It was almost poetry in motion, like a dance performed with devotion. Daniela was so mesmerized she did not notice Jacob standing next to her until he cleared his throat.  “What would you like?” he asked her softly. 

Their eyes met and she blushed, “White wine?” she barely whispered and was surprised he had heard her. The boy holding the tray stood behind Jacob; when Jacob took the wine and his preference, he left to go to the next person waiting. Jacob sat in Jasmine’s chair, Jasmine conspicuously gone.  When the plate of pastries was handed to Jacob, he looked at her expectantly, “Chocolate?” Was all she could squeak out, being the center of his attention.  He smile and picked out several small pastries and set them on the plate between them, passing the platter to Derrick.

She sat looking at him lost in the attention he gave her freely, openly.  He picked up one of the small pastries and held it to her lips waiting.  She opened slowly and bit the pastry. The explosion of raspberries in chocolate wrapped in a sweet flakey, buttery crust filled her mouth her eyes closed in ecstasy and she moaned. It was a dance of seduction in her mouth.