The Wolf Within

Chapter 1

Brendan stopped dead in his tracks, the rabbit he hunted no longer of interest to him. He lifted his head in the air and sniffed. A familiar scent floated on the breeze, wrapping around him. He knew that scent. Julie. Throwing back his head, his wolf howled in triumph. Finally, she was home, and now nothing would hold him back from claiming her.

Watching her go off to college, to leave him, had been one of the hardest things he’d ever done. But he’d been patient–not even confessing his intentions before she’d left, knowing how much her education meant to her. His tightly-strung control had almost snapped when she’d come home last Christmas, smelling of some frat boy. A growl rumbled low in his throat at the memory. It had to have been the worst Christmas in history as he worried whether or not he’d lose her. Somehow he’d mustered his iron control and stayed as far away from the Callahan family as possible.

In retrospect he was glad he had waited. Now Julie was back, her clean, strawberry scent drawing him to her like a moth to a flame.

He loped through the woods, his paws pounding the ground, crunching dried leaves and sticks beneath him in his haste. Her name formed a constant mantra in his head.

She wouldn’t recognize him in his wolf form. Being human, she wouldn’t be able to smell or sense the differences between the wolves in the town. Still, the need to see her drove him forward.

Breaking free of the woods, he caught sight of her mint green Escape turning into her parents’ driveway. He stared at Julie as she drove past, her backseat and trunk packed to the top, evidence that her life away from Alpine Woods was finished. This time, he planned to keep her close.

He hurried around the corner of the house, desperate for more than just a glimpse, but pulled up short as he saw Julie exiting the car. This wasn’t the carefree girl he remembered.

She was as beautiful as always, her long, wavy tresses tucked behind one ear as she stared at the house she’d grown up in. But defeat and resignation lined every angle of her posture. He watched as she closed her eyes, lifting them to the sky. A breeze rustled through her hair, sweeping the locks away from her face. A smile curled her lips as she lowered her head.

Brendan paused, taking a small step back as his mind grappled with the change. If he hadn’t seen the sadness surrounding her before, he never would’ve believed anything was wrong. Her eyes were bright, and she looked like someone without a care in the world.

Loping back into the woods, he cast one last glance at the woman destined to be his mate. He’d have to tread with care until he figured out what bothered her. He would find out. But first, he needed to integrate himself back into her life. And make sure other men stayed away. Julie was his.

A movement out of the corner of her eye drew Julie’s gaze to a beautiful gray timber wolf running into the forest. Nothing new in Alpine Woods, considering the town was inhabited by a substantial wolf shifter pack. The wolf was too far away for her to make out any defining markings, but somehow she knew it was Brendan.

A small pang shot through her as she watched him run away, but she squashed it. There was no use longing for things that would never be hers.

Squaring her shoulders, Julie walked up the path to her parents’ front door. It had been a long drive, and a longer few months leading up to graduation. She hadn’t bothered staying for the ceremony, something her parents and siblings had pushed for. They hadn’t understood her rush to leave after her exams. They had wanted to watch her receive her diploma. Hell, she wanted that too and had worked hard to achieve it.

Julie had no desire to explain her reasons, which had resulted in some very tense phone calls. But watching George–the boyfriend she’d caught having sex with another woman–give a speech at graduation was more than Julie could take at the moment. So she’d gathered the tattered remains of her pride and put her foot down, insisting on coming home.

It was bad enough having to watch some of her siblings find their mates and pair off. They didn’t need to see how pathetic she was. How she couldn’t even keep her boyfriend from cheating.

Julie stopped a few paces from the front door and closed her eyes, chastising herself and trying to banish the resentment. She was happy for her brothers, thrilled they’d found women to spend their lives with. But it was difficult watching her siblings with their mates, knowing she would never have the same level of connection they shared. Knowing she was the only one in her family who would never feel that particular closeness, that ultimate love and complete trust with someone.

She took a breath, reminding herself she’d come to terms with being born human a long time ago. She’d been forced to face it every time her dad had uttered his favorite phrase, Why would I want normal when I could have remarkable? It was something he’d say whenever he’d recall how he and Julie’s mother had met, or rather, when she’d showed him her wolf form. Julie knew he’d meant it as a lesson for her brothers and sister. But the knowledge didn’t stop the pang from hitting her heart every time he’d told the story. As a human, she wasn’t remarkable.

Pasting a cheery smile on her face, Julie continued up the pathway. Just because she didn’t have a mate didn’t mean she would end up alone. One of the main reasons she had gone away to college had been to spread her wings. Julie blew out a breath on a laugh. Who was she kidding? She’d gone to college to meet men who didn’t know about life here in Alpine Woods. To meet someone who wouldn’t judge her for being full human.

Julie had realized at an early age that dating wouldn’t be a part of her life here. The boys in school had always stayed far away from the human girl with three alpha wolf brothers and one alpha wolf sister. Although, it had kept the bullies away as well, so it wasn’t without benefits.

“Hey guys, I’m home,” she called, setting her purse next to the door.

Julie glanced around the silent house. Where was everyone? Even her two family labs were missing. She’d told her parents she was coming home today. She figured everyone would be here to welcome her back. They had wanted to throw a party, but Julie had declined, knowing her brother, Jason, and his mate, Samantha, were busy planning their summer wedding.

“Hello, anybody home?” Julie tried once again, walking into the kitchen.

“Surprise!”

Her whole family was crammed into the room, her father struggling to hold back the wiggling dogs in their desire to reach her. Julie kneeled and opened her arms, inviting them to pounce. She knew they’d calm down once they got their pets and licks.

“We know you said you didn’t want a party, but we figured a small one with just the family didn’t count.” Her brother, Ethan, ambled over to help her rise and kissed her cheek. Julie smiled. She knew they couldn’t resist doing something.

“Thanks, guys. A family dinner sounds perfect.”

It was all the urging her mother needed. Judith swept her daughter in a fierce hug, her familiar scent surrounding Julie like a warm blanket. Home. Finally. Her arms circled her mother’s waist, clinging to her as she closed her eyes. She needed this more than she’d realized.

Judith pulled away but kept her arms around her daughter and looked down at her. Confusion and worry reflected in her eyes as she pushed a strand of hair behind Julie’s ear.

“You all right, sweetie?”

“Fine, Mom. Just tired from the drive,” Julie lied. “It’s good to be home.” That much was true. It was good to be home. She needed some time to get over her failed relationship. Once she licked her wounds, so to speak, she’d try dating again, even if she had to go online and travel a bit to meet someone. But for now, she just wanted to get her head on straight.

“Smells delicious,” Julie exclaimed as they moved outside where a veritable feast waited.

“Only the best for my college graduate. We’re so proud of you, honey,” her mother said, ushering her toward the table. Julie felt her face heat. She’d never been comfortable being the center of attention. “I cooked your favorites. And after dinner we have cake and presents.”

“Aw, guys, you didn’t have to do all this.”

“Of course we did. It’s a special day, so sit back and enjoy it,” Gwen, Ethan’s mate, said. A smile lit her face, and Julie answered with one of her own. She’d met her brothers’ mates only once when she’d visited home during spring break, but from everything she’d seen and heard, they were perfect matches for her brothers.

Julie sat next to Danny, her last unmated brother. Of all her siblings, she was closest to him. Being the two youngest and separated by a few years from their three older siblings, they’d always had a special connection.

“It’s good to have you back, squirt.” Danny bumped his shoulder against hers as Jetson, one of the black labs, pushed his nose against her leg under the table, begging for scraps. Julie reached down and scratched his ear as the conversation buzzed around her. Later she would worry about moving into her studio and catching up at work. Right now it was nice to feel a part of something again. For a while, she would pretend she wasn’t the odd one out. Pretend she was like everyone else.

Julie laughed as she unwrapped Ethan’s gift of College-opoly and a “grow your own diploma” packet.

“Now whenever you miss college, you can play Monopoly and stick that little diploma in water. Just like the real thing.” Gwen socked her mate on the arm as the rest of the family laughed.

“Here, this is from Jason and me.” Samantha handed Julie a pink and purple wrapped gift.

Julie tore off the paper and gasped at the sight of the delicate silver chain with a diploma charm hanging from the end.

“If you don’t like it, we can return it and get you something else. Jason mentioned you didn’t have a charm bracelet. I thought this was the perfect occasion to start one for all the important events in your life,” Samantha rambled as Julie stared at the small charm.

“It’s beautiful.” She smiled at Samantha’s anxious face. “Absolutely beautiful. I love it.” Samantha’s answering smile lit up the room, her satisfaction in bringing Julie pleasure obvious. Evidence of the caring nature and kind heart her brother needed in a life mate. His wolf had chosen well. If only she had a guide to help her in matters of the heart, she never would’ve gotten involved with her selfish ex.

The doorbell interrupted her wayward thoughts. She looked over, and a spark of desire shot through her system as Laurie moved to the door. Even before it opened, she knew Brendan stood on the other side.

Julie stared at the pane, desperate to see him again. She knew he wasn’t meant for her, but even as a little girl with pigtails she’d been fascinated by him. Despite her best efforts to move on, her childhood crush had grown with time. At college, everyone she’d met had paled in comparison.

Julie clutched the charm bracelet as Brendan came into view. He was more attractive than she’d remembered, which she hadn’t thought possible. Her hands twitched, the craving to run them through his short but thick dark brown hair made her stomach clench. His smile didn’t seem to reach his eyes until his gaze met hers across the room.

“Jules. I thought I saw you come into town earlier. I wanted to come by and drop this off.” Julie didn’t know what to say as he handed her a jewelry box-sized package.

Brendan had always been close to her family, having been a friend of Laurie’s since elementary school. She’d always suspected the two of them were mates, and couldn’t understand why they hadn’t claimed each other yet.

Her stomach, having flown moments before when Brendan had handed her the gift, dropped. He probably thought of her as a little sister, which was the last place she wanted to be with him.

Brendan narrowed his eyes as he stared at Julie. Something wasn’t right. Her face had glowed with surprised pleasure as he’d handed her the gift. But soon after, he’d watched her pleasure dim and her posture stiffen. What could possibly be going through his mate’s head?

“You know the gift is actually inside the pretty silver paper,” Brendan joked, careful to keep his tone light. His wolf, sensing his mate’s distress, wanted to back her into a corner and snarl at everyone in the room. No one would stand between her and happiness.

Julie’s gaze shot to his before she laughed her discomfort away. Once again a mask slid into place. The carefree, happy girl he’d grown up with stood in front of him.

Brendan almost stepped back in shock. Questions whirled through his mind. How long had she been unhappy? How long had she hidden whatever internal torment she suffered from? And why had he never sensed it before?

“You didn’t have to get me anything, you know. It was sweet of you but unnecessary.” Julie rambled as she untied the ribbon and peeled the silver paper away from the box. Her words ended on a gasp as she opened the black velvet jewelry case and revealed a small wolf medallion hanging from a necklace chain.

“I put it on a chain, but Jason mentioned they were getting you a charm bracelet so you can always have it attached if you want.”

He didn’t mention the trouble he’d gone through to get one crafted to his specifications. Little though it was, he wanted something that resembled his wolf. He knew he couldn’t claim her immediately, but the need to mark her even in such a small way had been too strong to resist.

“Here, let me,” he said as Julie lifted the chain from the box. She swept her hair to the side as he moved behind her to fasten it around her neck. The urge to place a kiss on her nape just below the clasp, almost overpowered him, but movement to his right reminded him they had an audience. He looked over and met Danny’s shrewd stare. Sparing a glance around the room, he saw similar looks on Ethan and Jason’s faces. Laurie, on the other hand, looked amused.

He’d worry about her brothers later. Right now he wanted to see his charm against Julie’s pale skin. She turned toward him, her hand cradling the necklace.

“Thank you.” She smiled. It was a genuine smile, not the mask she’d displayed earlier. Seeing her unadulterated joy, and knowing he was the cause, warmed him as nothing else could have.

“It looks good on you,” he whispered, placing a chaste kiss on her cheek. The familiar scent of her strawberry shampoo hit him in the gut as it surrounded him. She pulled away sooner than he liked, shooting a glance in Laurie’s direction as she retreated. Brendan almost followed, wanting to know what had spooked her, but stopped at the regret in her eyes as she peeked at him. What did Julie have to regret? It disturbed him more than he wanted to admit. Something was very wrong.

Her father cleared his throat. “Well, I think it’s time for the cake. Brendan, you’re staying, right?” Brendan nodded, his gaze focused on Julie the whole time. She chose a seat between her brothers, leaving him to take one next to Laurie. Charles, their father, handed him a slice of cake, and Judith held out a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

He’d always been amazed by the Callahans’ welcoming nature. His mother had been loving and supportive, but hadn’t been able to be both mother and father to him. He had few memories of his father who had died when he was five. He’d met Laurie the next year when he’d started kindergarten. She’d befriended him the very first day, later admitting she couldn’t turn away from the sadness in his eyes. She’d brought him home to play that afternoon, and her father had taken Brendan under his wings.

They’d treated him like family, and when his mother passed away after his eighteenth birthday, the Callahans had been there, assuring him he would never be alone. He hoped they would be as supportive after he revealed his intentions toward Julie.

Growing up, there had been an unspoken rule among the Callahan clan. Julie was their treasure, and they guarded her closely. He never knew whether it was the fact she was the youngest, or her human status that compelled her siblings to protect her so fiercely. But whatever the reason, it had been clear she was off-limits. Respect for the family had held him back from staking a claim years ago when he’d first felt the mating pull. Julie had only been fourteen to Brendan’s eighteen, and there had been no doubt her family would have disapproved. But now they were both adults, and she made her own decisions.

It would be interesting to see their reactions as the next few weeks played out. Jason might be Premier, the leader of the pack, but nothing would stand between Brendan and Julie.

Although he’d never flaunted his strength, nor had any desire to lead the pack, Brendan was an alpha wolf too. He didn’t want to fight any of her brothers but would if he had to. Of course if all three jumped him, he might have problems.

As he pondered the possibility of fighting his three pack officers, he caught Julie studying him. She blushed as her lips curled up in a smile. Brendan couldn’t help but answer with one of his own.

She was worth any cuts or bruises he might have to endure. She was worth everything. Now all he had to do was convince her they were made for each other and figure out why she seemed so eager to pull away from him whenever he got close.