Page 48 of Rust the Rejected
“Natalie is an OB-GYN and will assume the role of doctor for all she-wolves—”
The males clap and stomp their feet. Jagger chuckles. He and Sage raise their flutes.
“Tonight, we celebrate Rust and Natalie’s mate bonding with good food and fellowship, followed by a pack run. Join Sage and me in welcoming Natalie to our pack!”
I laugh as the space rings with the howls of dozens of wolf shifters. Rust grips the back of my neck and kisses me passionately. More howls and whistles fill the air.
“Now, let us feast!”
Jagger says, then he and Sage sit.
During dinner, every member of the pack introduces themselves and offers well wishes. Their heart-felt welcome gladdens me. Nerves flitter away with the breeze. I lean against Rust, and he tucks me against his side.
“You take my breath away, my fated mate,” he says as he places a kiss on my temple. “How are you doing?”
“Thank you, my fated mate. Marvelous, darling! Simply marvelous.”
He chuckles and kisses the tip of my nose.
I sigh, content to be held and loved so dearly.
We eat, drink, and dance as the sun sets. Soon, the pack grows restless, ready for our run. Jagger senses the change in mood from festive to eager. He rises and announces the start of the pack run. Everyone strips where they stand and shifts amidst crackles and flashes.
As I slip out of my dress and sandals, I glance at Rust, who stands naked. Only the wolf paws on his sculpted pecs cover his divine body. He smiles encouragingly.
“I’ve got you, babe. Your wolf has you, too. Now, shift.”
My body follows his command. In seconds, I’m on four paws. I lift my gaze to him. He winks and shifts. My wolf purrs at the sight of his massive brown wolf. He approaches and nuzzles my throat. My body vibrates at his touch. He rumbles deep in his chest, then throws his head back and howls.
Soon the sultry Everglades’ night resounds with the howls of dozens of wolf shifters. Leaves rustle as creatures of the night hasten to their lairs to avoid the apex predators on the loose. A barred owl hoots as it takes to the air wings flapping to reach the sky. In the distance, a Florida panther yowls to remind us how cats hate dogs before it too slinks away. The hum of winged insects remains as a backdrop to our calls. The pack makes its presence known and silences the rest of the wetland.
Above, the waxing gibbous moon signals redirection, adjustment, and flexibility. I take it as a sign for new beginnings with my fated mate and my new pack. I’ll relearn my wolf with his help. And I will let go of the rigidity caused by my wounded heart. It’s time for healing.
I throw my head back and howl.
Around me, the pack stamps their paws and rejoins my call. I revel in the camaraderie and am as eager as they to sprint through the saw grass marshes and pine flat woods. Jagger and Sage set off. His giant silvery white wolf and her smaller ebony one rush for the tree line. Rust nudges my flank, and we follow. I match his pace. Shoulder to shoulder, we run together. Our paws land with each step silently.
The invigorating run heightens my senses. My body tingles as the wind ruffles the dense coat of my midnight and white streaked fur. My eyes adjust to the darkness. The landscape appears as though daylight reveals it. Scents of the Everglades inhabitants fill my nose. At once, I feel carefree.
Along the way, Rust romps and teases me affectionately. I respond with yips and barks. Excitement sparks in the air around us.
Miles later, we rest on our haunches. I take the time to familiarize myself with the new surroundings. Several members pair off and separate from the pack. Rust nudges me and rises. He darts away, and I give chase. We reach a cluster of dense pine trees. He moves beneath the low hanging branches. Inside, a patch of ground covered in pine needles makes the perfect hideaway.
He turns to me and rumbles. I quiver with need as he approaches. Without prelude, he mounts me. I howl and paw the ground with my front feet. He takes me with feral growls. My slick eases his savage thrusts. His front legs tighten around me as the base of his cock expands to form his knot.
I whimper as my pussy contracts. More than our mate bond, we lock together physically. His hot seed fills my core as he howls. I join his carnal song.
While we remain as one, he rumbles to soothe me. Once his knot deflates, we separate. I whimper and rub my body against his before I curl up on the bed of pine needles. He lies beside me as my eyes drift closed.
My last thought of how happy I am for what’s to come makes me purr.
CHAPTER17
Rust
“You know,a she-wolf could get used to this swanky lifestyle.”
I chuckle at my fated mate as she waggles her eyebrows seated beside me in the helicopter.
