My Mate's Embrace (7 page)

“But you can change your shape,” Laurel replied.

“And you can heal wounds,” Anton pointed out “Not so different. Your abilities make you a candidate to be a lycan mate. When you fell from the mountain, the mating bond between us snapped into place. That is how I know you are meant to be my mate. Like our wolf cousins, lycanthropes mate for life.”

“What if the mating bond hadn’t snapped into place?” Laurel asked.

“I still would have saved you, Laurel. Lycans take care of their pack members, all of them, regardless of age. Since facing the pack’s extinction, we have realized how precious life is. Knowing that you are my mate only added to the urgency and my determination.”

Laurel remembered how resolute Anton had been to climb, completely naked, down the mountainside in a storm. Being nude didn’t seem to bother Anton much. Since she met him, he had been bare more often than dressed. She had never realized how beautiful the male form could be until she saw Anton.

Anton smirked and winked at her. Laurel blushed and turned her face to the window. She suddenly felt too warm. Glancing down, she looked at the cord of light that flowed between them. It wasn’t as big as the one between Kolya and Alena. Why, she wondered?

Because we must mate physically for the cord to cement itself into place,
Anton’s voice sounded in her head.

“Are you reading my mind?” Laurel asked Anton.

“It is part of the bonding between mates,
Malyshka
. You can read my thoughts as well, if you try.”

“And we can speak mind to mind?” Of course, he read her mind. How else did he always know her thoughts?

“Yes,” Anton replied. “Distance can cause difficulties. Great distance can prohibit it. But if we are near each other we can speak mind-to-mind. We need to touch each other’s minds, Laurel. It is part of the mating bond. If either of us is unable to touch the other, we would grieve for each other. This is very dangerous. The melancholy becomes extreme. It is known to cause thoughts of self-destruction.”

Laurel knew too well what those thoughts were like. “Great,” she said. What else did she need to know?

“Lycans are very family-oriented,” Anton said. “We tend to live in extended family units. My father and mother live in the lodge with us. They help tend the children, and my mother is a wonderful cook.”

“My mother taught me to cook,” Laurel said. “It was one of the fun things we did together.”

“Living in a pack is like living in a big family,” Alena added. “Everyone helps out. If someone needs something, the pack provides it.”

“With your healing skills, Laurel, you will be a treasured addition to our family,” Kolya said.

“But since you heal when you shift, why would you need my skills?” Laurel asked confused.

“Not everyone can shift all the time,” Alena explained. “The little ones often have problems controlling their shifting. Pregnant woman do not shift. Also, if someone is injured severely, it can be hard for him to shift. We are not immortal. We can be killed.”

“Yelena, our mother, is our medic. She will be glad to know you can help her,” Anton said.

Laurel wasn’t sure how she felt about the things they were telling her. Did they want her only because she could heal?

Malyshka, I want you, for you. You are my mate, my other half. Finding you is a miracle I didn’t expect. I will always want you.
Anton’s voice came flooding into Laurels mind, and with it, a wave of love surrounded her. Laurel basked in it. It felt so good to be wanted, to be loved. She reached over and grasped Anton’s hand.

Thank you, I needed that,
Laurel sent back.

Thank you, Laurel, for being mine.

The rest of the ride went by without incident. Everyone talked and shared stories of the pack with Laurel. She, in turn, shared stories of her mother and living in various mining towns in Siberia. It had not been an easy life. Laurel and her mother were often isolated because of their nationality and language barriers, though Laurel knew enough Russian to get by. The winters were harsh, and people only ventured out when necessary.

It surprised Anton that Laurel’s mother would choose such a life for her daughter. Being so alone seemed foreign to him. His family and pack constantly surrounded him.

Now, he understood how Laurel’s stepfather got away with abusing her. They didn’t have anyone close to them who checked in. Weeks went by before Laurel went to the local market to buy food. Anyone noticing her bruises wouldn’t realize what had happened in her home. Of course, Laurel’s healing ability would kick in after a severe beating, and the bruises would be gone.

Kolya turned off the main highway onto a dirt road. The sun slowly sank behind the mountains, leaving an orange glow in the sky. Heavy woods shading the road surrounded it on both sides. Up ahead sat a large metal building, and the road ended at the door.

“I’m going to drop you off and then take this vehicle back to the main road,” Kolya said. “I’ll ditch it a few miles back. Alena, will you be alright to walk in?”

“Yes. Since Laurel healed me, I feel fine,” Alena said. “We’ll meet you at the lodge. I want to see Mother before we go to our own home.”

“How far do we have to walk?” Laurel asked.

“About ten kilometers. I’ll carry you on my back, if you get tired,” Anton answered.

“Ten kilometers?”

“We don’t want to be found, Laurel,” Anton explained. “Keeping our existence a secret is important. Living out here alone, we have the freedom to shift when we want, without worrying about who might see. The village is very well equipped. It is getting there that is difficult.”

Kolya pulled up to the building, and everyone climbed out. Laurel watched as Kolya helped Alena from the car and kissed her gently. Anton handed Laurel her backpack, and she struggled to put it on. Kolya leaned down and kissed Alena’s stomach as he whispered to her, before turning away and climbing back into the vehicle. As the car started to back up, Anton took Laurel’s hand and led her to a trail heading into the woods. They waited a moment for Alena to join them. Then, they started down the path.

“Will it take Kolya long to find us?” Laurel asked.

“Once he ditches the car, he will go wolf. I wouldn’t be surprised if he meets us at the lodge. Nothing can keep him away from Alena for long. Isn’t that right, sister?” Anton teased.

“As it should be, Anton, “Alena said blushing. “I hope you are taking notes on how to be a good mate to Laurel.”

“I appreciate the good example. Kolya better be a good mate to my sister, or I’d have to take him to task.”

“We do just fine, brother dear. We don’t need your help,” Alena teased.

Laurel felt the warmth of love among these family members, her family now. Would her relationship with Anton be as sweet?

Night finally arrived in the Siberian tundra, and Laurel struggled to see the path. When she started to stumble, Anton insisted that she ride on his back. He felt proud of how far she had hiked on her own. Now that he carried her, he and Alena could pick up the pace. But even Alena went slower than she would have if she had shifted into her wolf form. Kolya would have no problem beating them back to the lodge.

When they hit the halfway mark, several wolves appeared to escort them. Laurel gave a slight gasp. Anton quickly touched her mind, thinking she feared them. But wonder filled her mind. As they walked into the village, where Laurel could see because there were lights on the buildings, she asked to be let down. Anton felt his wolf rise when several single males approached the group. But he put Laurel down, then circled her waist and drew her into his side.

“What is it, Anton? Is something wrong?” Laurel asked.

Anton knew she could feel the rising of his wolf. But how could he explain that until they mated physically, his wolf would be on edge. Even after, he would be a possessive male.

“This is difficult for me. Let us get you into the lodge, where I know you are safe,” Anton suggested.

“Isn’t it safe out here surrounded by your pack?” Laurel asked.

“It is his wolf, Laurel,” Alena explained. “Your bond is not cemented into place. Until it is, Anton will have problems with other males around you. Come on. That large building over there is the lodge. Let us get you inside, so Anton can relax.”

Laurel looked around in amazement. The village looked like something out of a Christmas shop. All the buildings had carvings on the trim. Wolves were wandering around as well as men and women. The lodge looked like a large log building with a huge front porch. As they moved forward, a huge silver-and-gray wolf bounded up. Alena knelt down and gave the huge beast a big hug, while he licked her face. The rainbow lights coalesced around the wolf, and when the lights cleared, Kolya stood with Alena, giggling, wrapped in his arms.

Laurel noticed two couples come out of the lodge, waiting for them to arrive. The first couple must be Anton’s parents with their silver hair, while the second couple must be Anton’s brother and his wife. What do you say to the leader of a werewolf pack? Everyone smiled and patted each other on the shoulder or arm. Anton’s father picked up Alena in a bear hug, while her mother hugged Kolya. Laurel felt glad Anton kept her close to his side. She was uncomfortable with all these people around her.

Feeling her distress, Anton moved her over to the side and slightly back from all the commotion. He grinned at his family, but kept her sheltered with his body. Laurel watched Anton’s brother and sister-in-law greet Alena and Kolya and then turn to her.

Everyone stared at Laurel. She blushed and moved farther into Anton’s embrace.

“This is my mate, Laurel,” Anton said. “She is uncomfortable with all of you. Please forgive us. Can we move into the house and then continue the introductions inside?”

Oh God, Anton. I am so sorry I’ve embarrassed you in front of your family,
Laurel sent, mortified by her shyness.

Nonsense. It took Violet a while to be comfortable with all of us.
They will understand.
Anton tried to reassure her.

“Of course, we can move inside,” Anton’s mother said. “Let us go into the kitchen. I have a cake waiting to be eaten.”

Anton picked up Laurel and walked into the house and into the kitchen. He placed her in the corner chair, then sat beside her, holding her hand.

“This is my mother Yelena and my father Vikenti.” Anton introduced them as Vikenti took a chair across the table and Yelena moved to cut a cake on the counter. Alena got plates out of the cupboard, while Kolya stood talking to Anton’s brother. Laurel wondered if they were talking about her. But then Anton’s sister-in-law walked up beside her.

“This is Violet, our Alpha female. Her better half—my brother Dmitry, Alpha of the Volkov pack—is speaking to Kolya.”

“Welcome to the family, Laurel,” Violet said. “Don’t worry about being shy. I felt the same way when I arrived here with Dmitry. Alena says you are an American. Where are you from?”

“I was born in Virginia. My grandmother still lives there,” Laurel answered quietly.

“I have friends that live in the Washington, D.C., area. What are you doing here in Siberia? Not that we aren’t glad Anton found you.”

“My stepfather brought my mother and me here around six years ago. He works at various mines. My mother passed away three years ago. After her death, I stayed the first year in Virginia with my grandmother. But my stepfather insisted I return to Siberia with him. And I have spent the last two years here with him.”

The last two years her stepfather abused her physically and starved her,
Anton sent on the family telepathic link.
She is very skittish and needs care.

“Well, we are very glad to have you as a member of our family,” Dmitry said, walking over and placing his hand on Violet’s shoulder. “Anton is lucky to have found you. There are many single males who have not been as fortunate. You are a gift to us.”

“Thank you,” Laurel said. “I’m sorry to be so shy. I’ve been alone a long time.”

“Not to worry,” Yelena said, placing a piece of cake in front of Laurel. “Now that you are here, we’ll take care of things. You eat and feel better. Anton will teach you about the pack.”

Laurel settled back in her chair and ate her cake. Yelena continued to fuss over her, bringing her a cup of tea. Yelena reminded Laurel of her grandmother. Anton kept touching her and sending her waves of reassurance and acceptance. Dmitry and Kolya discussed the truck wreck and buying a new vehicle. Alena told them how Laurel had healed her and saved the baby. They all celebrated the fact that the little boy lay safe in Alena’s womb. Soon, with a full stomach and feeling content, Laurel started to nod off.

“Come,
Malyshka
, let’s get you settled in bed,” Anton said, leading her from the table.

Everyone said goodnight as Laurel gave a weak wave and left the room. Picking up her backpack, she let Anton take her hand and lead her upstairs. He took her down the hall to a room on the right. She glanced around at the large bed and desk set against the long wall. Walking over to the windows, she saw the front porch below them.

“This is my room, or should I say
our
room,” Anton said. “There is a bathroom over here. You can put your clothes in this cabinet. I’ll have a dresser brought up for you tomorrow. Do you think you will be happy here?”

Laurel heard a thread of uncertainty in Anton’s voice. He had done so much for her. Could she be happy here? She didn’t really know. Things were happening so fast. Escaping from her stepfather had been her only thought. Now, with that accomplished, she didn’t know what she wanted. But she didn’t want to hurt Anton.

“The room is lovely, Anton,” she said.

“Laurel, I feel your confusion. Let us take it one day at a time. I promise you, I can make you happy. I will keep you safe. Just stay with me.”

“I have nowhere else to go,” Laurel sighed. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“You are tired. We will talk more in the morning,” Anton suggested.

What would tomorrow bring? Looking over at Anton, Laurel felt her heart warm. He treated her with such kindness and made her feel safe. She hadn’t thought about getting married. But then life with her stepfather had been a living hell. If she was going to get married, she wanted someone like Anton. Being a member of a pack couldn’t be too bad, could it? Would they look down on her because she couldn’t turn into a wolf? Not knowing what to think, she went into the bathroom to change. She didn’t really have any pajamas. What should she wear?