Lin

The Keels were a small family, a mother, Lianne who’s face lit up a room, a father, Charles, who worked hard and cared deeply for his family, and Lin, their daughter who was rambunctious and playful, eighteen and still eager to learn about the world around her.

That curiosity is what lead on their search as they made their way into their fourth pack, turned away by the rest. Lin cowered as the wolves emerged from the trees and surrounded them, though Charles quickly spoke, hoping to finally find a place. “We wish to speak to your alpha. We come in peace.” He spoke as he stepped in front of the other two, just in case, though the wolves all stilled, looking between each other in confusion before one of them shifted, the scene looking terrifying to Lin who shuddered.

“Vampires want to see our alpha?” The man asked with a grumble, and Charles stepped aside, showing off Lin who looked terrified up at the werewolves.

“Our daughter, she’s one of you. We want her to be happy and learn about things we can’t teach her. We wish to find a home in your pack, where our daughter can learn about what it means to be a werewolf.” He explained, worry etched into his brow.

They’d been attacked at this point before, and since he wanted to make peace this was the last thing Charles wanted. He couldn’t hide his nerves or the worry that etched itself across his face.

“A werewolf raised by vampires? Is this some sort of a joke? Is she your slave?” The man asked, confusion leading to a hint of anger.

“No, nothing like that. We couldn’t have a child, so we adopted one. We didn’t know she was a werewolf at first, but when she was sixteen she shifted. We don’t plan to give her up, we just want her to be happy. Any parent only hopes for the happiness of their children.” Charles swallowed nerves, hoping they believed him, and the man went still, a grey sheen over his eyes, leaving Charles a little more comfortable. At least he was talking to someone, so maybe they’d get their audience.

It was still early in the night, only ten o’clock, but the werewolves were done with business for the day and had retired to their homes, making this an emergency meeting. The man sighed before nodding. “Follow us. Your request for audience with the alpha has been approved.” The man spoke, watching as a twinkle and a small smile made its way to the vampire’s face.

It was an hour long walk, Lin unable to tear her eyes away from the wolves before her, and the one who stayed a man was completely naked, leaving her even more uncomfortable. She held tight to her mother’s arm, Lianne giving her a comforting pat to her shoulder as they made their way through the woods, and into the center of town. Houses littered the whole path, but they were concentrated here, a village hidden in the trees.

Lin took a look around, a bit surprised at the sight. “It’s so quiet out here.” She whispered to her mother. “I don’t have to learn what it’s like to be a werewolf. Can we go home?” She asked softly, and her mother shook her head, turning to give a soft kiss to Lin’s temple.

“You need to learn. You need to be everything you can be, and we can’t teach you how to shift, or what kinds of things you may need we don’t even know about! Remember how disappointed you were when you didn’t get to participate in the first bite?” Lianne asked, reaching to smooth Lin’s long, medium brown hair. “There may be things here you still get to do. You need to learn your heritage.”

They were lead to a mansion, a building that sent shivers down Lin’s spine as they walked in, and the girl swallowed down dread.

It was a simple walk from there. Up the inside stairs, first door on the right. They walked in and found a man seated behind a mahogany desk, book shelves lining the inside of the office. It looked warm and comforting to Charles, who was just happy not to see bloodstains like the last pack they’d gone to.

“Vampires with a werewolf child. Explain.” The man behind the desk commanded, and though he was only twenty three it was hard to miss the power in his voice, in the way he held himself. He was bursting with confidence and power, but Lin noticed something else and sniffled at the air.

“We adopted her at birth. We couldn’t have kids. When she was sixteen we found out she was a werewolf.” Charles explained again.

“She shifted and you found out the hard way.” The man sighed, and Charles nodded.

“We just want her to learn what it means to be a werewolf. She’s been raised in vampire traditions, but she’s never been accepted by the vampires. Maybe she would be happier if she were raised around her own kind, where maybe she could learn and make new friends.” Charles watched as the man behind the desk nodded, understanding.

“You, step forward.” The alpha commanded and Lin stepped forward, her nose still in the air, her eyes searching the room. “What are you doing?” He couldn’t help the curiosity as the man who’d mind linked him said the girl looked terrified, but she looked anything but at this point.

“That smell…” She whispered, turning around as if searching for the cause of it, though it only lead to the alpha looking around in bewilderment, though as her scent moved across the room it hit him like a brick. He blinked away surprise staring at the girl who’s eyes met his finally and a jolt startled both of them, leaving them quietly staring at each other.

“Shit.” The alpha mumbled, his eyes going wide before he looked to the two vampires. “Your request to move into town is going to be approved, but this one is going to visit me on a daily basis, and your home is going to have a security detail.” He spoke clearly before standing and making his way around the desk, standing right before Lin.

“Do you understand what just happened?” He asked, and Lin shook her head, though her wide eyes couldn’t be torn away from the alpha.

“I don’t…. why do you smell so good?” Lin couldn’t think through the scent and the alpha sighed.

“My name is Remy. I’m your mate.” He spoke clearly, though the words meant little to the girl, though her parents both perked up, a shared smile spreading across their faces.

“Your mate!” Lianne cheered a bit, excitement showing eagerly in the old woman. “It was a good thing we were turned away by the other villages! You met your mate!” Lianne reached forward, giving a gentle pat to the back of Lin’s shoulder.

“What does that even mean? Am I supposed to have sex with you? I don’t even know you! You’re a werewolf!” Lin blathered out, her daze replaced by confusion and a bit of panic.

“No.” Remy sighed. “It leans we’re compatible to each other. We were made to be each others’ other half. You are half of my soul.” Remy watched as Lin paled, nodding. “And you’re a werewolf as well, you know.”

“I’ve never seen wolves before last week. I’m a bit afraid of you.” Lin admitted, and Remy couldn’t help the grin that reached across his face.

“A werewolf raised by vampires who’s afraid of other werewolves. I have a feeling a lot of people are going to think you’re an interesting case.” He chuckled, seeing the girl look down in embarrassment, though he thought nothing less of her for it.

She was raised by vampires, but she felt free to open her mouth and speak freely without worry to the alpha of one of the largest packs in the Midwest. “You really were raised with love, weren’t you?” He asked with a chuckle and the girl blushed terribly, turning to look at her parents.

“I couldn’t have asked for better parents. They raised me to be a strong woman, and I’ve done my best to not disappoint them.” Lin let a touch of a smile slide onto the corner of her lip, and Remy nodded, looking up at the vampires.

“You can stay in the pack house for tonight. We’ll find a house for you tomorrow, something central to town. I don’t want rogues finding out about you and attacking.” Remy explained, looking between all three faces. “You’ll have separate rooms, but I insist on security keeping watch over her. What is your name, mate?” Remy asked, and Lin realized she’d never introduced herself.

She held out a hand to shake, a nervous smile spreading across her face as Remy raised a brow, but reached out and shook her hand all the same. “Lin. It’s a pleasure, sir.” She said in a softer voice, a little embarrassed at herself.

“Please, you call me Remy. You’ll see others address me as Alpha, but you don’t need to do that. You’re still new to the life, so I’ll let you learn more before we start sticking you to traditions.” He chuckled and Lin nodded.

“Then Remy, it’s a pleasure.” Lin corrected, a small bow of her head showing her respect.

Remy couldn’t help but like this situation, finding his mate and discovering it was someone so interesting. He wouldn’t get bored with this girl, he knew, and he couldn’t help excitement at discovering what kind of person she was.

“I’ll show you to your rooms.” Remy said, offering his own bow, before walking around the three towards the door. “Breakfast is served so as long as you’re in the pack house you shouldn’t have to worry about food. Hope you don’t mind roasted meat and vegetables." He turned back, seeing the three looking at each other with approval.

“It’s fine! Roasted meat is a big part of our diets already.” Lianne grinned and Remy nodded his understanding as he lead the three back down the stairs to a separate staircase on the other side of the kitchens.

It didn’t take long to reach the rooms, and Lin noticed a young woman rush in behind the group. The first room was opened, and Remy turned, seeing the older couple. “As this room has no windows it may be best for you two.” He admitted, though honestly he didn’t know the most about vampires. The two understood all the same and went in, gently closing the door behind them, leaving Remy, Lin and the new woman alone.

“Lin, this is Angela. She’s going to be your security while you’re in the pack house, and probably after. Angela, This is Lin. She’s my mate, so I expect you to treat her as you would me. She doesn’t know anything about werewolves, so have patience with her.” Remy warned, and Angela turned, looking to Lin.

Lin’s light green eyes met Angela’s blue ones, the new woman’s hair was cut just out of a buzz cut, her tips bleached almost white while her natural hair color looked to be almost the same light brown as Lin’s. Both women were petite, though Angela looked more physically capable, muscle showing easily in her arms from the tank top she wore, and though she wore jeans that hid the size of her legs, Lin could easily guess that they were just as toned.

“Your mate? Finally! Glad to meet you! And it’s Angie. Only Alpha calls me by my whole name.” She rolled her eyes, hearing a grumble from the alpha before she chuckled. “Don’t be so grumpy! You just met your mate! This is a joyous occasion! And shouldn’t you two be sharing a room?” She asked, and Lin paled.

“Sharing a room?!” Lin panicked, and Remy reached out, sliding a hand to her shoulder.

It was weird how such a simple touch could comfort Lin so easily. “You’re not sharing my room until you’re ready, little one.” Remy watched as Lin swallowed nervously.

“But someday I will?” Lin whispered, and Remy watched her before nodding.

“As I said, you’re the other half of my soul, and some day you’ll discover I’m the other half of yours.” Remy watched with a look of adoration that left a pit in Lin’s stomach.

“She doesn’t understand the mate bond?” Angie asked in confusion and Remy sighed.

“She’s been raised by vampires. She knows nothing about werewolf culture or traditions. That’s why her parents brought her here, to learn.” Remy answered, seeing Angie nod in understanding.

“A werewolf raised by vampires. What a riot! I bet you’re going to be fun!” Angie grinned, and Remy rolled his eyes before turning and walking to the next door, the other two following out of habit.

He opened the door and turned to Lin. “This is your room. Use it as you wish. My room is beside yours, so if you need anything, just knock.” Remy pointed to his own door and Lin nodded before a blush spread across her cheeks.

“Alright.” She mumbled out, her eyes flashing to his door before they returned to him.

At least six three, muscles showing from his lack of shirt and only a well worn pair of jeans and leather boots that came halfway to his knees, his brown hair looked almost red and was worn long, a ponytail holding it from his shoulders.

Honestly, Lin couldn’t help but think he was attractive, and she couldn’t deny a pull towards the alpha, but all the same, there was no way she could hide her nervousness at the title between them.

Remy reached out and grasped her hand, his eyes watching as her fingers twitched a little at the touch, though she seemed to calm a little. “You have much to learn, little one. Tomorrow I introduce you to the pack and you join us. How many times have you shifted?”

Lin looked a little embarrassed at the answer. “Just the once. I don’t even know how I shifted.” She admitted.

“You’ll learn, and tomorrow we’ll go for a run.” He watched as Lin nodded, her eyes locked on their touching fingers. “I’ll see you then.”

“I’ll see you then.” She parroted before stepping into the room, their fingers slowly moving apart before the connection was dropped, leaving Lin a little more clear headed. She stepped inside the door and closed it behind her, leaving Remy and Angie in the hallway.

“I’ll watch her with my life, Alpha.” Angie grinned, and Remy rolled his eyes.

This was good, but he had a feeling Angie was going to make this a living hell.