The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 14:

In Kiani’s head: Does he anticipate something from me? Yeah, he totally does. I mean, he's already seen me…well, from the back, he liked what he saw. I mean, it’ll be fun. The water looks inviting. So does Rocco.

Rocco: “What are you scared of, little wolf? I don't bite…usually.”

In Kiani’s head: You know what, I've got nothing to be ashamed of. I know he wants me. After all, he says he craves me. I'll show him.

Rocco’s Wolf: “MINE!”

In Rocco’s head: If she realized what she did to me I'd be begging for her mercy. My undeniable attraction towards her is out of this world. Once I found my mate, I knew the intoxicating pull would be more intense but I didn't know it would be this strong.

In Kiani’s head: I should be nervous but his eyes for me makes me bolder. I'm his only desire. So why be shy? I dangle my legs in the cold water. Surprisingly I still feel warm. But is it surprising? I slowly lift my eyes to meet Rocco’s.

Rocco: “I swear to God, you're beautiful.”

In Rocco’s head: I say slightly under my breath.

Kiani: “This is as far as I'm going in.”

In Rocco’s head: I stare into her eyes. I feel my newfound confidants shirking away!

In Kiani’s head: As I stare into Rocco’s glowing eyes. I need to say something before my nerves consume me. Maybe something that I've wanted to ask him.

Kiani: “How did you get your scar? Not that it ruins your face.”

In Kiani’s head: I mean, how can you ruin a face like his?

Kiani: “I felt your pain earlier, does that have to do with how you got your scar?”

Rocco: “Some scars don't heal. That study room is meant to be off limits.”

Kiani: “That's not answering my question. Those emotions were intense. I felt it.”

Rocco: “I'm fine.”

In Rocco’s head: Is she starting to feel my emotions already?

Kiani: “Rocco, I had to pull you back. Your wolf was defensive. Maybe talking to m-”

Rocco: “LEAVE IT!”

In Kiani’s head: The water feels cold.

In Rocco’s head: My wolf's not happy, I didn’t please my mate.

Rocco: “I'm sorry.”

In Rocco’s head: I don't care if the wolf committee judged me for killing my father. I never gave a damn. They labeled me just as unstable as he is. ‘The apple never falls far from the tree’. But with Kiani replaceing out I don't know how to deal with that. She'll replace out eventually but I'm not ready.

Kiani: “I'm sorry for pushing. You don't have to tell me. Only when you're ready, I care about you. I'm starting to care about you a lot. It scares me, but I like this feeling so-”

Rocco: “S-stop talking, Kiani. I've missed your lips. (Rocco kisses Kiani)”

In Kiani’s head: His lips moving with mine, my head spins. I can't think clearly. All the pent up nerves melt away as he devours my wanting mouth.

In Rocco’s head: She drives me wild. But I stay in control of my wolf. For now.

In Kiani’s head: I can't stand it. Rocco brings out all the passion I never thought I had. The pleasure he's giving me scares me. But I'm too wrapped up in him to care. I never want his hands off of me.

Rocco: “I want you.”

In Kiani’s head: He continues to kiss needy lips, pulling me close to him.

Kiani: “What are you waiting for?”

In Rocco’s head: I wanna consume her as I hear her breathing fast and shallowly. All for me. Kiani takes me back to a time when I wasn't broken. I know it's her first time. I could tell straight away, even though she tried to hide it. I'm trying to understand why. It makes me want her more, knowing that I'll be her first. Her first and her last.

In Kiani’s head: I’m on a cloud of pure ecstasy. (Nia’s dining room). I'm trying to stop smiling. I feel like my cheeks are constantly heated. I feel like a new woman. I’m kind of tired shall we put it but I’m satisfied. LET ME TELL YOU! I saw the sun, the moon, the damn mountains and the fucking rivers. I saw sweet, sweet heaven just like in the song Last Night by Az Yet. I feel you man. Yeah, as soon as I got home, I listened to that song all night. I'll tell you that one for free. Although Rocco begged me to stay.

Nia: “Who’s the boy?!”

Kiani: “What are you talking about?”

Nia: “You’ve been smiling all morning. It's nice to see. Did you get some loving?”

Kiani: “Oh my God.”

Nia: “I hope you used protection.”

Kiani: “Can you stop?”

Nia: “What did I say? We had to talk.”

Kiani: “And I don't wanna relive it. Thanks. (Nia laughs)”

Nia: “But do you know as a wolf shifter your wolf will want a mate. Not a human. Well, I've never heard of a human being a mate to a wolf shifter.”

Kiani: “I know. It was just some guy I met at the University, we just kissed. That's it.”

In Kiani’s head: I wish I could tell her the truth but I'm replaceing it hard to trust her.

Nia: “Anyway, what I was saying before you were smiling, really creepy. I'm telling you, that cupcake girl was dodgy.”

Kiani: “Yeah, dodgy people are never far.”

Nia: “You try being me and see what it's like raising a shifter.”

Kiani: “I wouldn't have lie about it.”

Nia: “It was a difficult situation.”

Kiani: “Well, now look where we are.”

Nia: “As I was saying, if you were here, you could’ve told me if she was a wolf shifter.”

Kiani: “Do you think she's a wolf shifter?”

Nia: “That's why I needed you.”

Kiani: “What does she look like?”

Nia: “A black woman had this tattoo…”

Kiani: “Where was the tattoo?”

Nia: “I think on her leg somewhere. What is it?”

Kiani: “I have to go. (Kiani runs out)”

Nia: “KIANI!”

Kiani: “Don't let her in again! (Kiani’s bedroom)”

Kiani’s Wolf: “THREAT!”

Kiani: “How did I not smell her scent before?”

In Kiani’s head: You lost your v card and we're on cloud nine. Yeah my head was gone.

Rocco’s Mindlink: “Kiani, what’s wrong? Kiani, tell me that you're okay?”

In Kiani’s head: There's another voice in my head. I feel a burst of warmth around me. A feeling of pure calmness. Another energy.

Rocco’s Mindlin: “Kiani!”

Kiani: “Rocco is that you?!”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “Kiani!”

Kiani: “Oh, right. The mind talking thing. He can't hear me like this.”

Kiani’s Mindlink: “Rocco?!”

Rocco’s Mindlink: “Finally, tell me that you're okay. I felt panic all of a sudden.”

Kiani: “You can hear me?! Oops. Totally talking to myself right now.”

Kiani’s Mindlink: “I'm fine, I promise. Rocco?!”

In Kiani’s head: I know I’ll text River!

Kiani: “River! The girl who decided that breaking my neck would be fun, she was in my house. Wolfie was restless as hell.”

River: “No way! She risked coming again. This is bad. I'm telling the pack. I'll send someone to pick you up.”

Kiani: “I have to stay here for my aunt Nia. Despite everything, I can't leave her.”

River: “I get it. Rocco’s gonna cry bloody murder!”

Kiani: “I think Rocco’s done something to me. I feel calm all of a sudden. I’m feeling really zen right now. Rocco already knows.”

River: “Urgh…what? OMG YOU DIDN’T?!”

In Kiani’s head: I have some woman psycho on my doorstep. And I still need to shift. Yes, I'm talking to you, Wolfie. Any day my ass. Now River Knows I've lost my virginity to her brother. I have to get dressed. (in the living room)

Kiani: “Hey.”

Nia: “What’s going on Kiani?! Who have you been training with? Tell me now! Do you know the girl wolf shifter as well?”

Kiani: “No, I don't know her. She's the one stalking me.”

Nia: “Kiani, please tell me. I know I've hurt you but you need to tell me what's going on with you. (knock knock)”

Kiani: “I'll get the-”

Nia: “I'll get it.”

In Kiani’s head: Intense supernatural hits me in the face. That can only mean...

Kiani: “OH FU-(Rocco storms in and grabs Kiani’s waist)”

Rocco: “Are you okay?”

Kiani: “Yeah, I'm fine. Honestly, I'm- (Nia and River in - Nia’s shocked)”

Nia: “River?”

River: “Hello Miss Green. Sorry to barge in like this. We've come to see Kiani.”

Nia: “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!”

In Nia’s head: Who's the man Kiani’s with? He can't be human. His eyes are practically glowing. Oh no! He has to be a male wolf shifter. He's built like a man tower. He has a dangerous aura around him. I promised my sister that I’ll always protect Kiani. How am I meant to protect her from this beast?

Nia: “Kiani, can I talk to you alone? NOW! (in the garage)”

Kiani: “Why are we in the garage?”

Nia: “They have good hearing. Tell me what's going on? That male wolf shifter is not to be messed with. I can tell he's experienced. His kind is dangerous and territorial.”

Kiani: “I'm just learning from them. They're happy to teach me.”

Nia: “What's the name of this pack? Kiani, this is important.”

Kiani: “The Darkwood Pack. (Nia screams)”

Nia: “What the fucking hell are you doing with them?”

Kiani: “I'm learning to be a wolf shifter. Something you failed to fucking tell me.”

Nia: “So River, your friend, is part of that pack?”

Kiani: “She’s River Darkwood.”

In Nia’s head: This can't be happening.

Kiani: “They're not a threat to me. They're helping me.”

Nia: “Do they know who you are?”

Kiani: “Do you mean my real last name? I need to remember to tell Rocco.”

Nia: “ROCCO DARKWOOD?!”

Kiani: “You know him?”

Nia: “You have a fucking ALPHA IN MY HOUSE?!”

Kiani: “So you know him?”

Nia: “HE’S THE MOST FEARED ALPHA. HIS PACK IS THE PACK I WAS TRYING TO FIND. You can't train with them. Kiani, they’re perilous. Stay away from them.”

Kiani: “They've taught me so much. I don't understand why you're freaking out. When I've told you all, they've done nothing to protect me.”

Nia: “THEY DON’T KNOW WHO YOU ARE.”

Kiani: “What's that supposed to mean? I don't even know who I am.”

Nia: “Kiani. The reason I can't tell you about your past is because it's painful and I need you to shift first. To be 100% in control of your wolf because your past is gonna hurt. That's why I've been waiting. You have to trust me on this. Your mother told me to tell you when you're ready.”

Kiani: “My mom told you that?”

Nia: “She loved you so much. All she wanted for you was to be loved and safe. I tried to do that. I know I failed, but- (Nia cries)”

Kiani: “You didn't fail. I love you. I think I turned out okay. (both laugh). Just promise me that you'll tell me about my past when I do shift. Promise me.”

Nia: “I promise.”

Kiani: “The Darkwood Pack is just teaching me the ways of the wolf.”

In Nia’s head: The pack can’t know what pack we’re actually from or they would be far more cautious of Kiani. They probably think she's a lost wolf. But what if Rocco’s like his father? Treacherous beyond words. Now I know, I can replace out more.

Nia: “To be invited into a pack is a big deal.”

In Kiani’s head: Rocco being my mate, earns easy access. I can't tell her yet. She's already freaking the fuck out.

Kiani: “It's the fact that I'm a healer. (in the living room)”

River: “What happened to being subtle?! Barging in was not the plan.”

Rocco: “A strange wolf has been in my mate’s house. Do you expect me to be subtle?”

River: “Her aunt doesn't know about us. It's called consideration.”

Rocco: “I don't have time for that.”

River: “Clearly.”

Rocco: “What?”

River: “Finally, satisfied the beast, huh?”

Rocco: “I'm gonna see if I can pick up a scent. Tell Asher to set up the security cameras outside. Make yourself useful and check the outside surroundings. (Kiani’s room). No need to fear me.”

In Rocco’s head: I try to rein in my dominance as much as I can.

Nia: “It's hard not to. Your pack is not known for taking in strays, I've heard. So Kiani will join your pack because she's a healer, huh?”

Rocco: “Healers are very rare. Kiani would be safer in a pack. Wolf shifters need that.”

In Rocco’s head: Nia doesn’t know I'm her mate, I see.

Nia: “But I need to know something. I've heard of your father's reputation. I used to be a wolf shifter, after all. I hoped to believe you were nothing like him.”

Rocco: “What pack were you from?”

Nia: “The pack I was from is long gone now.”

Rocco: “Is that why you're raising her on her own?”

Nia: “Yes. Her parents died a long time ago.”

Rocco: “Why not tell her how they died?”

In Rocco’s head: Nia carries many secrets.

Nia: “I'm trying to protect her significantly because she hasn't shifted.”

Rocco: “Her parents were murdered, weren't they? Probably by other shifters. Must be. Kiani wouldn't know how dangerous our life is. You wanted to avoid traumatizing her wolf before the change.”

In Nia’s head: He's smart.

Nia: “So you understand? I just need to know you're not anything like your father. Please, for Kiani’s sake.”

Rocco: “I hated him and it's why I ended him. You will tell Kiani about her parents as soon as she shifts. She deserves to know.”

Nia: “I know. Like she deserves to know how you became alpha. But I'll have to tell her the whole truth. Kiani might wanna leave your pack after. As you're protecting her, I’ll warn you now but I also believe you can't be blamed for your father's mistakes.”

In Rocco’s head: My brain spins with so many dark outcomes. There is more to this and I wanna know what it is.

Rocco: “I’ll tell Kiani my business when I'm ready. I'm sure, just like you. But your truth is way more important than mine.”

Nia: “I assume you're in her room to replace a woman.”

Rocco: “You're under my pack’s protection. (Rocco leaves)”

In Nia’s head: How did this get messed up so quickly? (Sierra’s office)

In Sierra’s head: A new pack joined the wolf shifter community?

In Kiani’s head: Sierra clicked on the new wolf pack. The pack is The Bloodstone pack. Pack status angry. Alpha Kylo Stone. Alpha female Juno Stone. Healer no. Alliance’s unknown.