Free Wyrd Calling (Wyrd Bound Book 1) by Shen Hart Page A

under my breath the entire time before tucking the pretty little box away in another drawer and curling up in a small ball in my nest. I muttered to myself about the Sisters and their nerve, their ego, to mark me in such a way. How dare they act as though I was some unruly pet! I didn't notice Alex emerge. I had curled up and tucked my wolf tail around me while I muttered and cursed under my breath. I wondered if I could enact revenge on them and free myself of the mantle I carried, but I knew that was absurd and would never happen. Alex's cool energies fluctuated on the periphery of my senses and dragged me from my plans and cursing. I closed my eyes and allowed the wolf to curl up in the back of my mind and the jaguar to stride forward.  
    I stretched and shook myself off. I felt vile and dirty. I needed a long, hot shower to clean my body and clear my mind. I flashed Alex a predatory smile. It was meant as some semblance of reassurance, more out of habit than any real desire to ease him. He stood in nothing but a towel. I paid him no attention and just tried to settle my energies down around me as they were flicking in the same manner as my tail. He had his arms loosely crossed and a look of confusion sat on his face. His eyes flashed when they settled on the choker, but he simply turned away and got into his bed without a word. I was glad that he knew better than to try and prise the information from me. I strode into the bathroom and shed my clothing before stepping into the shower and allowing the scalding hot water to wash away the stress along with the dirt. A clean jaguar was a happy jaguar.

9

    The frustration and irritation was still firmly in the front of my mind when I awoke the next morning. I spent longer than usual stretching out my muscles and trying to clear my mind. I focused on the contentment from the previous night and the freedom of the play. I had a couple of days to try and form some bonds with the cubs. Alex tilted his head and sat on the corner of my bed as I lay on my back wriggling and stretching. I stopped and looked up at him, my tail twitching at my side. He couldn't stop the smile from forming on his face. His tongue slipped out between his lips and ran along them.  
    "I see you went in search of new shinies yesterday."
    I pouted and waited for the reprimand. Instead his hand moved to rest on my shoulder.  
    "We are alphas together. You're not doing this alone. If you need help, then come to me rather than risking getting the pack in trouble."
    With that, he stood and headed downstairs. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the flood of happiness that accompanied his scent and kept a firm hold on that feeling and memory as I walked down the stairs. The Sisters were not going to ruin this. I was better than that. I was better than them.  
    Breakfast was more lively than usual. Conversation passed between the boys with ease, and everyone was far more relaxed than usual. I tried to look for openings to join in the conversation, but found none. A desire to walk away tugged at me, but I refused to give in.  
    Eventually Dan said, “That’s a very pretty necklace you’re wearing. Would I be correct in saying that some complex energy weaving went into the making of it?”
    His eyes had that mischievous twinkle that I didn’t appreciate in the slightest. Nik jumped on the new topic. “It is a beautiful piece. The craftsmanship on the metal is stunning, particularly given how fine it is. Where did you get it? I’d love to talk to whoever made it, I bet they have a wealth of experience and knowledge to share.”
    I tried to keep a calm smile on my face and refused to look at Alex, who was smiling at my squirming. “It’s just something I picked up off a little stall somewhere. Nothing special, I’m afraid.”
    Nik seemed particularly disappointed and Dan opened his mouth to continue his line of enquiry but I cut him off with, "You're going to show me what you can do."
    It wasn't perfect, but I was