Rise of the She-Wolf

Vanessa’s pov,

Hearing Colin claim me, set off a fire inside of me. I did not just go through hell and back just to be claimed by another alpha male that thought I belonged to him. Spirit kept howling inside my head to accept. “SPIRIT SHUT THE FUCK UP,” I raged. Spirit immediately became silent from shock. I had never talked to her that way before but finally, I could think again now that Spirit was quiet. I breathed in and out and walked to the arrogant yet handsome man that just claimed me.

“Forget it. I am not your property. Who do you think you are?”

He grabbed my hand and pulled me closer and then kissed my hand. Standing so close I could smell his scent of burned firewood mixed with cinnamon. I inhaled it deeply and felt a bit dizzy again. Colin looked at me amused and said, “My name is Colin lass. You better remember it because you will be screaming it later.”

My mouth fell open. The audacity of this man!

I pulled back my hand and looked at him angrily, “Fuck off. I am not here to be insulted. Let’s go, Julietta.”

Colin just laughed, “No need to get all worked up love. Let’s find some middle ground then. I will sign the business contract if you stay for a few days and allow me to show you, my territory.”

I stood still for a moment and thought to myself that it would be a shame to let this business opportunity go to waste. Surely, I could endure this cocky man for a few days?

“All right then. On one condition, you keep your hands to yourself.”

He gave me a cheeky smile, “I promise I will only touch you if you beg me to, which you will.”

I rolled my eyes and Julietta asked, “Are you sure Vanessa?”

I smiled at her reassuringly, “Don’t worry about it. I can handle myself. Besides, I have Ron with me. Could you tell Tomasso I will come home in a few days?”

Julietta nodded and took my face with both her hands, “Just be careful, ok? I don’t want to lose you.”

I stared into her eyes, “I promise.”

Julietta then looked at Colin dauntingly before she pulled me closer and kissed me passionately. I tried to enjoy her soft lips, but Spirit was going crazy in my mind again, “NO, NO, NO Vanessa what are you doing? We should be kissing our mate. What will he be thinking?”

I shoved Spirit away and pulled Julietta closer by grabbing her butt. My other hand went through her hair while I opened my eyes and looked at Colin during the kiss. I thought he would be pissed but he just stood there all arrogant and amused. I focused on Julietta again and gave her one last soft kiss, “I will see you soon.”

Julietta rested her forehead against mine before she stepped back into the car. I watched the car drive away and did not notice Colin coming closer until his scent hit my nose again.

He whispered, “Thank you for that little show you put up for me. Now I have something to fantasize about tonight.”

I pushed him away and snarled, “None of that was meant for you. My god, why are you so arrogant?”

He looked all fake innocent when he answered, “Modesty is for knobs. Just enjoy being in the presence of greatness.”

Ugh, how on earth could this be my mate? I would pick Duke over him any moment of the day. Colin opened up his car door for me and I got in without thanking him. Ron followed me in another car with members of Colin his pack. I ignored Colin for the rest of the ride and looked at the beautiful Irish countryside. I was amazed by the flowing hills, pastures full of sheep, and the small stone cottages everywhere. It somehow felt cozy and peaceful at the same time.

We arrived at a beautiful stone mansion between the hills. The mansion looked out over a small lake and pastures as far as the eye could see. When I stepped out of the car a cold and strong wind hit me in the face. I immediately realized that I was not dressed for staying in the Irish countryside. Colin noticed that I was trembling and said, “I will arrange for some warm clothes for you. But first, you should warm yourself at the fire and enjoy some Irish food.”

I followed him inside into an enormous living room with brown chesterfield couches, chandeliers, a big fireplace, and the largest wooden dining table I had seen in my life. Six faces were staring at me when I came in and I had no idea where to look. Colin walked past me and sat down on the couch while he lit a cigarette, “Everyone this is Vanessa. Vanessa this is my family.”

A young girl with red hair ran to me, her eyes full of excitement, “Hi! My name is Annie. I have heard so much about you!”

I smiled, “Is that so? What have you heard?”

I looked at Colin and he held up his arms, “Wasn’t me.”

An older beautiful woman with auburn hair and green eyes spoke up, “It was me. I told Annie the stories they are telling everywhere about a woman that took over a whole pack by just using her mind. A woman of great beauty that is apparently a leader chosen by the gods.”

My cheeks flushed, “That all sounds very glamorous but I assure you it wasn’t all fun and games. I had my share of losses along the way.”

The woman gave me a wise look, “I am sure you did. I would love to hear all about it someday.”

She took out her hand, “My name is Maggie. I am Colin his mother. Those are Colin his sisters, Annie and Jenny. And those 3 chipmunks are his brothers Donny, Gary, and Robin.”

The boys nodded to me to acknowledge my presence and Jenny smiled at me shyly. Colin clapped his hands, “Now that’s over with let’s eat.”

Colin sat down at the end of the table, and I took the chair on the other end because I was not going to give him the satisfaction of picking a place below him. Maggie gave Colin an amused look, but he did not seem to be bothered. Servants brought in plates full of shepherd’s pie, honey-glazed vegetables, and mega pints filled with Guinness.

My eyes devoured the food and when I looked up again, I found Colin his eyes staring at me intensely from the other end of the table. I felt uncomfortable because just him looking at me made Spirit go crazy again. Shouting all kinds of dirty things in my mind like some hormone-induced teenager. I shook my head and asked, “Can you make sure my pack member will also get something to eat?”

Colin chuckled, “Of course, he is getting the same food as us in another room with my pack members. What kind of monster do you think I am?”

I narrowed my eyes, “I don’t know, why don’t you tell me?”

The rest of the family all became silent, and Maggie looked at Colin, “Colin what have you done? Have you already insulted your guest?”

Colin pretended to be shocked, “Never mum. I showed her my manners.”

I snorted, “Manners of a pig then.”

Everyone looked at Colin who was just staring at me before he burst out in laughter. He filled his plate and said, “Come on eat! You bunch of gobshits.”

I stuffed my plate and took a bite of the shepherd’s pie. The rich flavors of the herbs, vegetables, and meat melted in my mouth. “My god this food is amazing,” I gasped.

Annie chuckled, “If you already think this is amazing then what do you eat?”

I winked, “Let’s just say anything my fingers touch doesn’t turn to gold but to ash.”

Annie giggled and for the rest of the meal, I enjoyed the food and listened to the family bickering about small things. Maggie was just taking another bite when Colin announced, “Ow mum forgot to tell you. Turns out Vanessa is my mate.”

I stared at him wondering how on earth he thought this was a good moment or way to tell his mother about that. Maggie just choked in her food and started coughing before she could say, “What now?”