The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 43:

The Hawthorne mansion

In Mr. Hawthorne’s head: I'm concerned. Whoever broke into our lab and stole the Cure samples knew this house inside out. Not to mention killing one of my security team. We've already tightened Security in this damn place.

Mrs. Hawthrone: “It was Brooke.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “Excuse me?”

Mrs. Hawthorne: “She managed to sneak in and out and completely forgot about our security cameras.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “Why would she steal it? What use could she possibly have for it?”

Mrs. Hawthorne: “That's exactly what I would like to know.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “She must have been desperate to kill our security guy. Now we have to deal with that as well.”

Mrs. Hawthorne: “I'll deal with it. When are we going to deal with our daughter? She also took the new poison arrows we just made. Brooke has always excelled in archery.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “Whatever she's planning, better not interfere with ours. Or I'm sending a security team to track her down. Do we know what the cure does?”

Mrs. Hawthorne: “We haven't discovered the side effects yet but eventually it should be able to heal any injury. But no one has tried the sample. It's not complete or safe to use, to be honest.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “I guess I won't have to track down Brooke. It might kill her anyway. What's that look for?”

Mrs. Hawthorne: “Brooke It's still our daughter.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “She locked you in a cage. She despises us. She said that she was leaving for good. But I'll let you handle Brooke then. I've got other matters to deal with then my reckless good-for-nothing daughter. (in the kitchen)”

In Nia’s head: Oh for for fuck sake. I thought wolf shifters could sense when people are near. Clearly not.

Nia: “CAN WE KEEP IT PG 13 IN THE KITCHEN PLEASE?! (Rocco screams)”

Kiani: “Rocco! Aunt Nia, I forgot you were coming today.”

In Rocco’s head: Damn, my wolf has been in charge for too long.

Rocco: “Ahh, Nia. Sorry about that.”

In Kiani’s head: Oh damn, she's moving in today.

In Rocco’s head: So Nia Accepted my offer to move in then. She decided to move in when it's Heat season. Brilliant.

Nia: “Are you going to help me with my bags, Rocco? It's the least you can do after you practically growled my ears off. Sorry to interrupt your-”

Kiani: “What are you waiting for? Help her with her bags Rocco!”

Rocco: “Where are my manners? Let me get them for you.”

Nia: “I thought you'd never ask.”

In Kiani’s head: Wow. (Nia’s room)

Kiani: “How do you like your new room?”

Nia: “It's very lovely. This will do nicely.”

Rocco: “But you like it. Do you have any more bags?”

Nia: “More bags in my car, love.”

Rocco: “Sure, I'll be right back.”

In Rocco’s head: Was this a bad idea?

In Kiani’s head: I heard that, Rocco. I don't have to mindlink Rocco To tell him that. I'm sure he can tell by my face.

Nia: “He's a keeper for sure.”

Kiani: “You're terrible. (Nia laughs). Just to let you know, it's Heat season.”

Nia: “That's still a thing?”

Kiani: “Sorry if you see a lot of veins, tempers and-”

Nia: “What I had to see in the kitchen?”

Kiani: “We were just kissing.”

Nia: “Is that what you call it? More like you were doing the hanky panky. (Kiani laughs). I'm glad you think this is funny, Kiani.”

Kiani: “I replace Hanky Panky very funny.”

Nia: “Enough of you. Where’s Nova and Asher? I want to cuddle their cute babies.”

Kiani: “Don't you want to unpack first?”

Nia: “I'll do it later. Or better yet, you and Rocco can do it for me. Rocco Still has a load more bags to bring up.”

Kiani: “Nova and Asher are doing the ‘Hanky panky’ so. The pups are with Sierra.”

Nia: “I did come at a bad time. (in the garden)”

Aspen: “Are you trying to impress Kiani’s aunt? (Rocco rolls his eyes - Aspen laughs). Don't look at me like that, it was your idea.”

Rocco: “Who do you think I am?”

Aspen: “A guy who will do anything to impress Kiani. After all, it's Heat season.”

In Rocco’s head: Urgh.

Rocco: “I can't wait until you replace a mate. You'll understand what it's like.”

Aspen: “Don't worry, you've shown me all I need to know. What not to do, so yeah, thanks for that.”

Rocco: “If you'll excuse me I have to take these boxes up for Nia.”

Aspen: “Don't let me stop you. (Aspen laughs in the living room)”

Nia: “I knew You would be with your babies. I remember when Kiani was a baby. She would always try and bite my finger off every chance she got.”

Nova: “Don't worry, they're not teething just yet.”

Nia: “I swear pups are born with sharp little teeth.”

Nova: “Yeah, but I'll let them chew on their daddy.”

Asher: “Arlen It's going to be a bother, I can just tell.”

Nova: “True. Ambrose Is the sweetest pup, so calm and serene.”

Nia: “Oh, I can't get over there chubby little cheeks. (Nia’s bedroom)”

Rocco’s Wolf: “WHERE’S MY SOULMATE?!”

In Rocco’s head: We're being polite and helping Kiani’s aunt move in.

Rocco’s Wolf: “NIA’S NOT MY MATE!”

In Rocco’s head: Yes, I fucking know.

Rocco’s WOlf: “THEN WHY PLEASE HER? WE SHOULD BE PLEASING OUR MATE!”

In Rocco’s head: Yes but we need to be polite to- (Rocco throws the box)

Rocco’s Wolf: “NO BOX! FIND MATE NOW!”

Kiani: “Are you trying to kill me? That fucking box just missed my head. You smashed whatever was in the damn box. Did you just let your beast get the better of you? Not Rocco Darkwood. He's always in control. (Kiani laughs)”

Rocco: “My wolf is very needy right now. I'm having minor issues controlling him. Especially where you're concerned. In fact, perfect timing Kiani.”

Kiani: “Rocco, what are you up to?”

Rocco: “What do you think I'm up to?”

Kiani: “Not here. Are you crazy? My aunt will be back here soon to finish unpacking.”

Rocco: “We better be quick then.”

In Kiani’s head: My heart starts to beat out of my chest. I feel my body respond to the thrill of it all. I'm hot like a fever. My wolf is fucking panting.

Kiani: “You're driving me and my wolf crazy.”

Rocco: “What can I say, little wolf.”

In Kiani’s head: Rocco stares deep in my eyes.

Rocco: “Your love got the best of me. I want to feel your body on mine. (they kiss)”

Kiani: “It's a good thing I need your love everyday. I want you. (in the kitchen)”

In Kiani’s head: I can't believe that just happened. I swear I'm losing my damn mind. My wolf is loving the authority of bossing me around during Heat season. I mean, I don't blame her where Rocco’s concerned. She needs her daily dose of love. It was fucking euphoria with Rocco. It always is. But in Nia’s room. COME ON KIANI!

In Rocco’s head: That was fucking hot. Is it too soon for round…what round are we on again? I lost count of how many times. Who can I say? Only Kiani can satisfy my beast.

In Kiani’s head: I can hear what Rocco is thinking. He's making it bluntly obvious. I can't look at him right now or I might make a pounce on him. Get a grip girl. My wolf is ready and waiting to take control of me any chance that she gets. Just so she can mate with Rocco. Dear me.

Nia: “Are they talking through their minds?”

Sierra: “I'm sure that's not all they've been doing. They can't control their urges when it's Heat season.”

In Nia’s head: They were unpacking my room. Rocco has that smug look on his face.

Nia: “Please tell me that you didn't do it in my new room? (Kiani blushes)”

Rocco: “Don’t worry Nia. I made sure to avoid the bed.”

In Kiani’s head: Bury me. (Sierra and Nia laugh)

Nia: “Oh, the courtesy is too much Rocco. You nasty boy, it better be a joke.”

Sierra: “Sorry Nia, I don't know who I raised. (Nia laughs)”

In Nia’s head: Kiani’s face is too much. She would never.

In Kiani’s head: I'm just going to try and die in silence. (in the backyard)

Kiani: “I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU! I can't believe you just openly admitted what we did. Are you out of your mind? I know you're out of your damn mind. URGH WIPE THAT SMUG LOOK OFF YOUR DAMN FACE! (Kiani storms off)”

Tao: “Rocco, it's not just your heat season you know.”

Rocco: “KIANI!”

In Rocco’s head: Damn, she's mad at me.

Rocco: “We’re wolf shifter’s Kiani! We're openly affectionate. (Tao and River laugh)”

Tao: “Openly affectionate. Kiani you've been hit by a smooth criminal. (River laughs)”

In Rocco’s head: If looks could kill. I'd be deep in the ground. I always seem to forget that Kiani Grew up thinking that she was human. Which means me telling her aunt About having sex in her room was not cool. But in all fairness Nia but I was joking. But with Kiani…Damn.

Rocco: “Come on Kiani, she thought I was joking.”

Kiani: “Sierra didn’t. She must think that I'm an actual tramp.”

Rocco: “Do you want me to apologize?”

In Kiani’s head: So stubborn. Why is his so fucking appealing all the time? He just oozes sexyness without even trying. Urgh! Not giving in, I'm mad at him.

Kiani: “RIVER! We're going for a run. NOW!”

River: “Rocco, shame on you. You don't even dare to say sorry. Tut tut tuuut!”

Kiani: “RIVER!”

River: “Don't get mad at me, I'm coming.”

In Rocco’s head: Damn it.

Tao: “Well, I guess it's just- (Rocco walks off - Tao’s confused - in the woods)”

In Kiani’s head: My wolf is livid that I'm livid. This is how our relationship works. In my wolf's eyes, Rocco can do no wrong. Not today wolf! Behind my wolf is all chill…she's the perfect picture of serene right now. Enjoying the cool breeze brush through her fur. I can feel River’s eyes on me. Her wolf is relaxed but I know what River is thinking. She knows I'm annoyed but it seems both of our wolves don't care about these problems. But I do. She's never on my side when it comes to Rocco. Now she's making me think that I'm the one overreacting. Am I? I mean Rocco Could at least apologize right? Not asked me if he wants to apologize? Mentally eye rolling. I'm just going to relax and enjoy my time with River’s wolf. She's a playful thing. I hear River’s wolf do a sweet whine. I can tell she's ready to play with my wolf. I might forgive Rocco When I return. Might! I think me and my wolf can both agree that when we make up, it's going to be hot and steamy. I must admit my Highlander is the best for making it up to me. But I'm still mad. I've never been so embarrassed in my life and I have a whole Wall of Shame.

River’s Mindlink: “Kiani, would you get over yourself and play with my wolf before I end up chasing a damn butterfly. You know you're going to have some hot sweet loving when Rocco comes crawling back tail between legs.”

In Kiani’s head: Yikes!

Rocco: “River, go back to the house, I need to talk to Kiani. (Rocco pets River before she runs off). Are you still mad at me? I know you aren't mad at me. (Kiani shifts back to her human form). So, I'd like to blame my wolf.”

Kiani: “Oh really?”

Rocco: “He's been crazy today saying all kinds of dirty crap. (Kiani laughs)”

In Kiani’s head: He's too cute when he's trying to apologize.

Kiani: “But Rocco That was super embarrassing. I died on the spot.”

Rocco: “Okay, I'm sorry, Little Wolf. I can't help that I want you so badly. You tempt me too damn much.”

Kiani: “It's just the fact that you told my aunt that we did the Hanky Panky and her new room. No one tells their relatives that kind of detail. The Thrill is the secret.”

Rocco: “Hanky panky? (both laugh)”

Kiani: “That's what she called it. Not me, trust me. (both laugh)”

Rocco: “So, do you forgive me for exposing our hanky-panky? (Rocco laughs - Kiani pins Rocco to the ground). I think you're to blame. You're a walking temptation.”

In Rocco’s head: I say as I tighten my hands around her hips.

Kiani: “Maybe I am to blame but then you make me do things like this.”

In Kiani’s head: I gently Press my lips onto Rocco’s As I caress his neck. I feel his heart pound Against my chest. I passionately move my lips with his as our mouths dance together like a slow sexy dance. It’s an uncontrollable desire to keep going. I will never be able to get enough of him. I kiss the scar on his face. I feel him shudder underneath me. (both mark each other)

Rocco: “I love you.”